Freight News, Rail

More Eurotunnel shuttles on the way

[ January 13, 2015   //   Chris ]

Eurotunnel’s shuttle arm is to add three new freight trains to its existing 15-strong fleet. They will boost capacity by 20% and help the operator reach its target of transporting 2 million trucks per year by 2020. There will be up to eight depatures an hour at peak times, compared with six currently.

The new, €40 million order, has been placed, following a European tender process, with WBN Waggonbrau Niesky. It is for the construction of three new shuttles, each 800 metres long, with 32 carrying wagons, three loader wagons and a passenger carriage for drivers. Delivery is set for the end of 2016 and early 2017.

The new shuttles will be built using the latest technology to ensure that energy efficiency and strength are coupled with reliability but will be fully interoperable with the existing shuttles.

The order for three new shuttles is supported by a €30 million programme of investment in terminals in Folkestone and Coquelles.

Tags: eurotunnel