DP World has announced a significant expansion of its rail services to connect London Gateway and Southampton, two of the UK’s major container ports. The company launched a new mid-week train operated by Freightliner on Tuesday, aiming to enhance the UK’s supply chain’s resilience and cut over a million truck miles annually. This move is expected to shrink carbon emissions substantially. The new service will complement the existing weekend rail service, providing businesses with better access to the London Gateway Logistics Park, which is the largest port-adjacent logistics park in the nation, boasting 9.25 million square feet of floor space.
John Trenchard, Vice President of Commercial and Supply Chain at DP World in the UK, underscored the manifold advantages of this cleaner, cost-effective cargo transport solution. He emphasized that the service would not only decrease operational costs but also provide an environmentally friendly alternative. Chris Lawrenson, Managing Director of Intermodal Logistics at Freightliner Group, echoed Trenchard’s sentiments, expressing strong support for the initiative. Lawrenson noted that their fleet of carbon-efficient trains offers a significantly lower carbon option for international container movements, which will be pivotal in meeting sustainability goals.
Initially introduced in 2022, the weekly rail service had the primary objective of stabilizing customer supply chains by ensuring quick and reliable freight transit. The new mid-week service further allows customers to benefit from DP World’s Modal Shift Program, which provides financial incentives to move import-laden containers via rail. This program has been instrumental in raising the share of rail freight at Southampton from 21% to over 30%, highlighting its success in encouraging more sustainable logistics practices.
Strengthening Logistics and Environmental Impact
DP World has announced a major expansion of its rail services, linking London Gateway and Southampton, two of the UK’s key container ports. The company introduced a new mid-week train operated by Freightliner on Tuesday to bolster the UK’s supply chain resilience and eliminate over a million truck miles annually, significantly reducing carbon emissions. This new service will complement the existing weekend rail service, making it easier for businesses to access the London Gateway Logistics Park, the nation’s largest port-adjacent logistics park with 9.25 million square feet of space.
John Trenchard, Vice President of Commercial and Supply Chain at DP World in the UK, highlighted the numerous benefits of this cleaner, cost-effective cargo transport solution. He noted it would reduce operational expenses while offering an environmentally friendly option. Chris Lawrenson, Managing Director of Intermodal Logistics at Freightliner Group, echoed these points, praising the carbon-efficient trains for their lower environmental impact, crucial for meeting sustainability goals.
Launched in 2022, the weekly rail service aimed to stabilize supply chains by ensuring prompt freight transit. The new mid-week service enables customers to take advantage of DP World’s Modal Shift Program, offering financial incentives for transporting containers by rail. This initiative has boosted rail freight at Southampton from 21% to over 30%, underscoring its role in promoting sustainable logistics.
