Cargo ships return to North Devon with major benefits for county

Appledore is once again welcoming cargo ships, with three arrivals planned for October and November. 

On Friday, 4 October, the 91-metre cargo ship 'Rix Sail' docked at New Quay Dock in Appledore after departing from Klaipeda, Lithuania. 

The vessel was carrying over 3,000 tonnes of animal feed pellets for Mole Valley Feed Solutions, destined for local farms and manufacturing sites across Devon.

This was the second ship to arrive at New Quay Dock in Appledore, a development that could signal a significant shift in how goods are delivered to the region. 

Torridge District Council, alongside other agencies, is working to re-establish regular sea cargo routes into the area.

Torridge District Council’s pilot, Paul Brown, guided the large vessel into Appledore. 

The council, through the Port of Bideford, oversees the safe navigation and pilotage of ships in the Taw and Torridge Estuary.

Typically, animal feed would arrive in the UK by road from the east coast, but this direct shipping route from Europe to Devon could remove 110 to 120 lorry trips from the road for each ship that arrives in Appledore.

Efforts to reopen the River Torridge for cargo have been successful due to collaboration between various local bodies. 

The next vessel, the MV Greetje, is scheduled to arrive on 18 October, with another ship expected in November.

Councillor Bob Hicks, Lead Member for Economy & Estates, said: “We are delighted to witness the return of cargo ships to the Torridge Estuary. The choice to ship cargo into Torridge not only reduces the carbon footprint but also contributes to environmental sustainability. We are looking forward to welcoming more ships to the ports of Torridge, as the sight of these vessels is always a spectacular and well-received attraction for onlookers.”

Frank Nickel, Head of Raw Material Supply Chain, Mole Valley Feed Solutions said: “We are very pleased that we can work with Torridge District Council and Harland & Wolff at Appledore Shipyard in order to utilise existing infrastructure and equipment in the Torridge area.

“This allows us to bring our feed stuffs closer to the point of usage on farm and our manufacturing plants. The use of cargo vessels into Appledore allows us to supply North Devon in a sustainable and efficient manner. The benefits of this operation will hopefully be shared by all the stakeholders involved in our supply chain.”

The return of cargo ships to Appledore is expected to provide both environmental and logistical benefits for the region, with hopes for further growth in the coming months.