GB Railfreight (GBRf), has started a new intermodal service connecting Southampton to Hams Hall Rail Freight Terminal in the West Midlands. This is the first time that GBRf has run an intermodal service from the UK’s second-largest deep sea port to the West Midlands.
GBRf will be running five trains a week from Southampton to Hams Hall with a further option to connect Southampton with Mossend International Rail Freight Terminal in Scotland, with final mile delivery available at both terminals. For this service, GBRf is using its new high-density FEA-G intermodal wagons, which will increase the volume of cargo that can be transported on each journey.
The new train is part of DP World’s trial Modal Shift incentivisation programme for cargo owners to use rail within 140 miles of The Port of Southampton. It is hoped that the scheme will reduce 30,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year and remove thousands of lorries from the road network.
Schemes like this will help the UK Government achieve its long-term freight growth target, to increase rail freight by at least 75% by 2050 and GBRf to run c.80 intermodal services a day by 2025.
Julie Garn, head of intermodal at GBRf said: “This new service from Southampton to Hams Hall has been made possible by DP World’s Modal Shift programme and the new investment made at Solent Rail Terminal. Flagship initiatives like this help harness the benefits of rail freight allowing Britain’s supply chains to move goods more sustainably, efficiently and reliably.”
John Bailey, managing director – Intermodal at Maritime Transport added: ‘We are delighted to see GB Railfreight taking full advantage of Hams Hall’s strategic position on the logistics map with the introduction of this new service, connecting a major UK port with an important gateway to the West Midlands. Shifting freight to rail and reducing carbon emissions is a key part of our environmental strategy and this service paves the way for regional businesses to actively join us in this effort.”
Image credit: GBRf
