The linkspan will comprise a 108m x 30m floating pontoon, which will accommodate up to three vessels - berthing side-byside - with various stern ramp configurations. The pontoon will be connected to the shore terminal by two three-lane bridges so that all vessels will be able to be loaded and discharged simultaneously.

The linkspan will be built and maintained to Lloyd's Register classification requirements.

The new facility is part of a combined investment by both DFDS and Associated British Ports (ABP) Grimsby & Immingham, which will provide a new 200,000m 2ro-ro/container terminal.

DFDS already operates a number of ro-ro berths at an inner lock in Immingham, but the new linkspan will allow unrestricted and sheltered access to the harbour at all times. The latest series of the company's 10,070dwt Flower class freight ro-ro newbuildings from the Flensburger shipyard in Germany will all be in service this year and will be amongst the first to benefit from the new terminal facilities.

MacGregor equipment has been specified for all six of the new vessels, with an option for supplying and installing a complete outfit for a seventh.

Each package comprises a stern ramp, hoistable car decks, ramp cover, hoistable ramp, external doors and associated hydraulic and electric operating equipment.

Deliveries will start this year and continue into the following year.