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DP World, the operators of London Gateway, the deepwater container terminal on the River Thames, have announced significant expansion plans. The Dubai-based owners intend to start work in October on a fourth berth at the port. With extensive facilities already in place, rail freight will play an increasing role in forwarding the volume of international trade delivered to the quayside, just twenty-five miles east of central London.
The project, costing 300 million pounds (335 million euros), will, according to DP World, significantly strengthen the UK supply chain. The timing could not be better. A mounting storm is rolling in on UK logistics, affecting all economic sectors. The importance of new, rail connected facilities has not been lost on the UK government. The chancellor of the exchequer was guest of honour at the launch event, hosted in London’s iconic Savoy Hotel.
Expanded daily rail freight timetable
London Gateway has been in the news ever since the owners successfully applied to be part of the freeport on the Thames. Together with other neighbouring facilities, it forms part of a planned programme of government-sponsored economic stimulus.
London Gateway already has extensive rail freight infrastructure, and the potential exists for more to serve the new berth development (DP World).
Integrated rail freight facilities played a significant role in the success of that freeport bid. The owners were quick to take advantage of what they claim are the longest facilities in use on the UK national rail network, accommodating 775-metre trains (740m payload) consists. With the new berth planned to increase capacity significantly, rail freight operators can add to the existing daily timetable, serving distribution terminals including Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds and Glasgow. Read more
Source: RAILFREIGHT.COM
