Maritime Transport has recently announced the launch of two new rail services operating from DP World London Gateway, in partnership with GB Railfreight. These services, which run from Monday to Saturday, commenced last week and respond to the increasing container volumes at the port. This initiative represents Maritime’s commitment to expanding its rail network and enhancing inland connectivity while promoting a shift from road to rail transport in the UK.
John Bailey, Managing Director of Intermodal at Maritime Transport, emphasized the need for improved inland connections as DP World London Gateway experiences significant growth in container traffic, aided by its position within the Gemini Cooperation’s Asia-Europe network and ongoing expansion projects. As container throughput rises, reliable rail services become essential to support this growth, and the new rail connections are designed to do just that. They not only provide essential capacity but also assist in creating a more efficient, lower-carbon supply chain across the UK.
Moreover, Maritime Transport has plans to introduce additional rail services shortly, broadening the connectivity between major UK ports and its network of strategically located rail freight terminals.
Julie Garn, Intermodal Director at GB Railfreight, underscored the critical role of rail in the national supply chain. She pointed out that transporting goods by rail significantly decreases carbon emissions—estimated to be about 76% lower than road transport. The collaboration between Maritime Transport and GB Railfreight exemplifies how long-term partnerships can yield practical, more sustainable alternatives to road transport, thereby benefitting the entire supply chain and aiding the country’s shift towards a greener transport solution.
This initiative aligns with broader goals of enhancing modal shift within the UK transport landscape, aiming to minimize environmental impact while simultaneously strengthening operational capabilities in freight transport. The new services are part of a strategic vision to ensure that the UK’s logistics infrastructure meets the growing demands of global trade while contributing to national and environmental priorities.
In summary, the launch of these rail services indicates an important step forward in enhancing the connectivity and sustainability of the UK’s transport network, reinforcing Maritime Transport’s role in contributing to an effective and eco-friendly logistics solution.
Source link
