Freight

A number of organisational respondents provided more detailed comments on this issue, including noting the importance of freight services to the local economy and to certain key industries in particular. For example, there was reference to the growing scale of freight and personnel requirements for renewable energy developments and the importance of seafood exports to the economy. It was also noted that freight services carry vital supplies, such as food and fuel, to the islands.

There were mixed reports regarding how well current capacity is managed, with a ‘Freight company or representative body’ respondent noting that experience varies depending on a number of factors, including what freight commodity is being moved (dangerous goods or not), how often the individual business uses the service, and how long the vehicle and driver will need to remain on the island destination.

Other comments focused on how the NIFS4 operator can work with hauliers and business in relation to overall planning of commercial traffic volumes. In terms of specific areas of joint working where there could be potential for improvement (whether through NIFS4 or otherwise), there was reference to a closer working relationship between the operator and ports helping to optimise scheduling and berth management and to encouraging the sharing of information on current and future industry activity and anticipated freight volumes over the short, medium and long terms

There was strong support for the introduction of additional freight and passenger capacity when the two Freight Flex vessels come into service in 2029. Associated comments included that their introduction represents a significant opportunity to build on the strong joint-working foundation and that current operator has with freight users.