DP World launches second London Gateway to Southampton Port container rail service in bid to slash lorry journeys

The company said this latest expansion of its intermodal service will help cut customers’ carbon emissions by removing more than one million truck miles a year from the UK’s roads.

The new mid-week train will be operated by Freightliner from 1 October and augments the existing weekend service, which was launched in 2022 and provides customers with access to London Gateway Logistics Park.

Customers using the new rail service will also benefit from a financial incentive offered under DP World’s Modal Shift Programme.

Launched in September 2023, the programme aims to encourage customers to increase their use of intermodal rail.

The move is part of a wider goal to increase the share of rail freight to 40% by the end of 2025 – which DP World estimates will remove around 30,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide from customers’ onward supply chains.

The programme charges a flat £10 fee on all import-laden containers. Customers whose container is moved to a railhead more than 140 miles from the terminal are reimbursed, and a £70 incentive is paid to those whose container is moved to a railhead within 140 miles of the terminal.

DP World said the programme has already boosted the share of rail freight at Southampton from 21% to more than 30% since its launch.

John Trenchard, DP World UK commercial and supply chain vice president, 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, Freightliner Group MD of intermodal logistics, 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.”