Maritime Transport launches new daily intermodal link between UK’s largest container port and its East Midlands Gateway, in response to growing demand.
A new daily rail service has been introduced at Hutchison Ports-operated Port of Felixstowe, with the new connection, the 36daily rail service from the UK’s largest container port, running to Maritime Transport’s newly opened East Midlands Gateway.
The new service caters for ever-growing demand for rail at Felixstowe and follows two new rail services to iPort Rossington and Hams Hall, introduced from the port in the latter part of 2019.
John Williams, executive chairman at Maritime Transport, commented: “We believe this Felixstowe to East Midlands Gateway service will be a huge benefit to our customers. The movement of freight from the Port of Felixstowe continues to increase, as does the demand for a greener solution for our customers.
“This service is the latest to be introduced as part of our intermodal offering and we look forward to announcing further rail services into this new terminal over the coming months.”
Clemence Cheng, chief executive officer at the Port of Felixstowe and executive director of Hutchison Ports, said: “The Port of Felixstowe has enjoyed a long and successful relationship with Maritime Transport, initially as a road transport operator and more recently as a fully-fledged multi-modal logistics provider. As one of the largest privately owned transport businesses in the UK, it is fitting that they have introduced the first regular service to East Midlands Gateway from the country’s largest container port and intermodal rail hub.
“Rail is an increasingly important element of the transport mix and through three dedicated rail terminals at the port we offer more rail services to more inland destinations with greater frequency than any other UK port.”
East Midlands Gateway, situated at Castle Donington in Leicestershire, is Maritime Transport’s first strategic rail freight interchange. Located alongside the M1 motorway, the 17-acre site serves as a regional distribution hub. When fully operational it will be capable of handling up to sixteen 775-metre-long freight trains per day.
In addition to this terminal, Maritime also operates rail terminals in Tamworth, Tilbury, Wakefield and Trafford Park and have over 30 transport depots throughout the UK to support their customers’ growing demands.
Other destinations served by rail from the Port of Felixstowe are: Glasgow, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Teesport, Birmingham, Birch Coppice, Doncaster, Selby, Hams Hall, Wakefield, Ditton (Widnes), Rotherham, iPort Rossington and Cardiff.
Source: Lloyd’s
