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NYK Logistics says that it is planning a number of port-centric import centres following considerable interest in its first UK site at Thamesport. Initially envisaged as a 35,000ft² depot, the centre - which only goes live later this month - will soon add another 45,000ft², rising to a total of 120,000ft² by September, says NYK Logistics UK managing director Ian Veitch.

He says the concept, which has already been used elsewhere in NYK's global network, will allow it to cut costs by about  10% on certain operations. Containers arrive at the port and are taken immediately to NYK's facility where they are destuffed and the product held in the warehouse for onward distribution. The container is immediately returned to the shipping line to avoid demurrage charges.

Veitch adds: "It means the container can be turned around quickly, which cuts cost. It also takes a leg out of the supply chain, so saves money there. "And because the site is in a bonded area taxes aren't paid on the goods until they leave, so that's positive for cash flow." He says that although the centre was initially developed for electronics retailer Samsung, other customers are now keen to come on board. Additionally NYK is looking for other sites elsewhere in the UK.