Stevedores, Southampton Cargo Handling (SCH) have clinched an agreement to service the new trailer and roll-on/roll-off freight ferry operation between the port and Santander in northern Spain.

The new contract is a further boost to SCH's list of ro/ro customers which include some of the world's leading names in the sector.

Under the deal SCH will receive, discharge and load the ferry, Cetam Victoriae during her time in Southampton Docks.

The service is operated by Compagnie Europeene de Transport Autombile par Mer of Paris, the short-sea arm of the Norwegian ro/ro specialist, HUAL.

The 10,171-tonne ship arrives in Southampton on Sundays and is loaded for departure to Spain on Wednesday, carrying mainly unaccompanied trailers but also some accompanied trucks. Other rolling cargoes and static cargoes are also carried.

The new Spanish service is being represented in the UK by Southampton-based, Wainwright Brothers.

Managing director, Edgar Wainwright said: "SCH has served HUAL well for many years and their experience in dealing with trailer and ro/ro cargoes was an important factor in our selection.''

SCH director, Richard Duffy, said: "Ro/ro traffic has been a major source of growth for the company in the recent period and we are committed to providing the service that will enable this new operation to prosper.''