Dec 12, 2011

A milestone was reached at UECC’s premier port of Pasajes in northern Spain last week, when, together with the Port Authority, UECC celebrated the 6 millionth unit through their state-of the-art terminal facility.

UECC’s terminal in Pasajes handles over 250,000 units a year, comprising 15% imports and 85% exports - made up of new cars, light commercial vehicles and other High & Heavy cargo. The facility covers a land area of some 21 hectares and is able to store a total of 9,000 vehicles at any one time. In 2005, the Norwegian-based car operator committed a significant investment in the construction of a 3-deck multi-storage garage facility to increase its handling capacity at the Spanish port. A special feature of the multi-deck design allows cargo to be loaded and unloaded simultaneously from the main deck and upper decks of vessels, increasing labour efficiency and allowing fast turn-around times in the port. The terminal supports two ro-ro berths with quay lengths able to handle vessels of up to 400 metres. Warehousing and specialist car handling facilities are also provided.

UECC operates regular services to and from Pasajes, connecting Bristol and Southampton in the UK, Zeebrugge (Belgium), Flushing (the Netherlands) and Hamburg (Germany).

Last week’s 6th million ceremony was jointly hosted by the Port Authority of Pasajes, represented by its President Mr. Lucio Hernando and by United European Car Carriers, represented by its CEO, Mr. Craig Jasienski . Also in attendance was Mr. Felix Asensio, Director of Ports and Airports for the Basque Government.

Attendees from the Spanish automotive industry and related service sector included General Motors, Daimler, CAT, GEFCO, Transfesa, Toquero, Metratir and CAPSA.

In his speech to guests, Craig Jasienski, CEO of UECC, said, “It is with great pleasure that we welcome you all to this special event. Many things have changed since our predecessors commenced vehicle handling operations in the port back in 1986, not least the major addition of our new multi-storey car storage facility in 2005. On this occasion we would like to share the success of over 25 years of joint co-operation and to thank all those who have supported our endeavours during this time”.

Mr. Jasienski also highlighted that UECC has focussed major efforts in the past in improving the links between shore and sea at the port, utilising its best vessels and investing in infrastructure. He encouraged the Port Authorities to also maintain support for the growth of traffic through the port with continued emphasis on improvements to the hinterland, particlarly road and rail access.