UK: The inaugural scheduled freight service from DP World’s London Gateway terminal east of London to the Duisburg freight hub in Germany set off on April 10, with the load including containers bound for China. This follows demonstration China to London and London to China services which ran last year.
The regular service is operated by GB Railfreight and Transfesa on behalf of CMA CGM Logistics. It will initially run weekly, leaving London on Tuesdays with the return working arriving in London on Thursdays. After the first four weeks, a second weekly train each way is planned, and services could reach six train pairs per week in the longer term.
Brunel Shipping acts as agent for shipments to China. UK Sales Manager Ian Shufflebotham told Railway Gazette International the Chinese government was backing the service as part of its Belt & Road Initiative to develop trade between Europe and China, and highlighted that the service was cheaper than air freight while being much faster than sea transport.
- Pentalver Transport has opened an expanded container facility at London Gateway’s Berth 7, adding 40% more capacity for cargo handling and container storage, maintenance and repair. The expansion is being supported by increased rail services operated by sister Genesee & Wyoming group company Freightliner.
