MSC has introduced a direct service between Turkey and Bristol (Portbury) via their Turkey – Liverpool service with its first sailing arriving into Bristol on Monday 8th November 2021. MSC Dorine was the first to arrive, marking the second longest ship to come through the Portbury lock gates at 294.04m, just 5cm shorter than the MSC Blandine who the Port welcomed several years ago. Shipping fanatics gathered to watch her pass Battery Point in Portishead. 

This investment from MSC will offer their UK customers access to the only direct service in the market between Turkey and Bristol, providing fast import and export transit times via Bristol to/from key ports in France, Spain, Portugal and Turkey. Thanks to an additional vessel, there will be an increased capacity as well as improved schedule reliability and service efficiency. The five vessels on the rotation will provide direct connections between the South Western UK and Turkish markets, which will reduce customers carbon footprint allowing them to deliver cargo closer to their final destination. 

Commercial Manager, James Stangroom: ‘The opportunity to further connect the South West region is an exciting prospect, therefore, we are delighted to welcome MSC’s unique direct service between Turkey and Bristol. We look forward to continuing our work with the MSC team to ensure the service will successfully meet customer needs.’

Next week, MSC Roberta will continue this new container service and at 295.09m long will match the longest ever ship to dock at Royal Portbury Dock.