DP World expands rail capacity between London Gateway and Southampton ‣ WorldCargo News

DP World is enhancing rail capacity between London Gateway and Southampton with a second weekly service starting October 1, operated by Freightliner.

DP World is expanding its rail capacity between two of the UK’s largest container ports with the launch of a second weekly rail service connecting the London Gateway and Southampton logistics hubs.

The new mid-week train will be operated by Freightliner from 1 October.

“Customers using the new rail service can also benefit from our Modal Shift Programme, a financial incentive for customers to move import-laden containers via rail to railheads within 140 miles of the Southampton logistics hub,” DP World added. “The programme has already boosted the share of rail freight at Southampton from 21% to more than 30%.”

The first weekly service between London Gateway and Southampton was launched in 2022.

John Trenchard, Vice President – Commercial & 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 – Intermodal Logistics, Freightliner Group, added: “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.”