DP World to double rail services between Southampton and the capital

Launched on Tuesday, a new mid-week train will link the London Gateway and Southampton logistics hubs, operated by Freightliner.

The move aims to bolster UK supply chain resilience and cut more than one million truck miles a year, reducing carbon emissions.

This new service will complement the existing weekend service, providing businesses with more access to the extensive facilities at London Gateway Logistics Park.

The park is the largest port-adjacent logistics park in the UK, boasting 9.25 million square foot of gross floor area.

John Trenchard, vice president of commercial and supply chain, DP World in the UK said: “Launching a second rail service between London Gateway and Southampton is the next logical step for DP World, given the clear benefits for our customers.

“Providing a cleaner and more cost-efficient way to move cargo across the country is a key priority for DP World in the UK, and modal shift has consistently proven to be a reliable and flexible solution.”

Chris Lawrenson, managing director of intermodal logistics, Freightliner Group, said: “Freightliner are delighted to continue supporting DP World with their second weekly port train service, working in partnership to develop further modal shift between Southampton and London Gateway.

“Our fleet of rolling stock and carbon efficient trains provide customers with lower carbon options for their international container movements.”

The weekly service between London Gateway and Southampton was initially introduced in 2022 to enhance the stability of customer supply chains, ensuring quick and dependable freight transit between the two ports.

Customers using the new rail service can also take advantage of DP World’s Modal Shift Programme.

This is a financial incentive for customers to move import-laden containers via rail to railheads within 140 miles of the Southampton logistics hub.

The programme has already increased the share of rail freight at Southampton from 21 per cent to more than 30 per cent.

DP World offers logistics, forwarding, and European transport capabilities, which are being integrated into the company’s global network.

For more details, customers should contact railbookingsuk@dpworld.com.