SCH is expecting an increase in ro-ro cargo volumes in 2020 as the uncertainty over Brexit eases.
The indecision over the UK’s departure from the EU impacted adversely on 2019 volumes with totals down on previous years as UK vehicle manufacturing output fell.
There is optimism that those totals could start moving upwards again in 2020 depending on global trade tensions easing and worldwide economies picking up. If those trends materialise, there could be a favourable impact on high and heavy ro-ro plant, as well as domestic vehicles.
Similarly, import volumes of vehicles into the UK will also benefit from better economic prospects, impacting positively on SCH’s handling of Renault and Dacia vehicles coming into Southampton and Ford cars entering the UK via Liverpool.
SCH’s other major trade, in cruise ship handling, is expected to see totals remain at roughly 2019 levels in the ports of Southampton, Liverpool and Portsmouth where it operates. Liverpool is expected to see the biggest boost in cruise ship callers with a projected increase in ships making day calls in the port for passenger tours. Besides cruise ship handling at Liverpool Cruise Terminal, SCH is responsible for mooring all vessels calling at the terminal.
SCH Director Lee Davis commented: “For much of 2019, we were treading water as political issues affected trade volumes. With that uncertainty clearing to some degree, there is every prospect of cargo levels growing during 2020 as we hopefully enter a more stable period.”
