The DP World-operated service – which ran for the first time at the end of last month (November) – is scheduled every Saturday to carry cargo, including fresh fruit, beverages and consumer goods, in less than five hours. The train takes up to 120 lorries a week off the roads and cuts carbon emissions by up to 80%.
DP World plans to increase the frequency of the train next year. Alongside other recent and ongoing investments in rail connectivity at both ports, this will ease motorway congestion, with a total of 300,000 trucks taken off UK roads each year.
Deep-water entry and exit points
John Trenchard, UK commercial and supply chain director of DP World, said: “DP World is unique in offering customers a choice of deep-water entry and exit points to and from the UK. This new rail service will make it easier for our customers to switch volumes quickly and easily between the two locations, which means greater flexibility and choice.”
“After the disruption of recent years, shipping lines and cargo owners are looking for capacity, reliability and growth opportunities. We are providing it, enabling customers to move goods smoothly and efficiently in and out of the UK and across their supply chains,” Trenchard added.