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GB Railfreight launches Southampton-Hams Hall route

[ April 19, 2024   //   ]

GB Railfreight (GBRf) has started an intermodal service between Southampton’s Solent Rail Terminal and Hams Hall Rail in the West Midlands, the rail operator’s first between the two locations.

It will operate five times a week with an option to connect Southampton with Mossend International Rail Freight Terminal in Scotland.

GBRf is using its new high-density FEA-G intermodal wagons, which will significantly increase the volume of cargo that can be transported on each journey.

 The new train is part of DP World’s trial Modal Shift incentive programme for cargo owners to use rail within 140 miles of The Port of Southampton.

John Trenchard, vice president UK commercial and supply chain at port of Southampton operator, DP World, said: “The first six months of the Modal Shift Programme trial at our Southampton logistics hub has been a major success so far, with the share of freight units being moved by rail instead of road increasing by two thirds – from 21% to 35%. The success of the trial is proof that rail can be effectively utilised to achieve lower carbon international supply chains that better serve the UK economy and environment, and so we are delighted that the new Southampton-Hams Hall service will contribute to this.”

John Bailey, Managing Director – Intermodal at Maritime Transport, operator of the Ham Hall terminal, 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.”

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