THE Port of Felixstowe has become the first port in the UK to handle one million TEU by rail in a single year, according to terminal operator Hutchinson Ports. The one-millionth unit was loaded onto a Freightliner service to Birmingham.
"This new milestone for the port reflects the dedication of our workforce and the excellent relationships we have developed with all the rail freight operators at the port," said executive director of Hutchison Ports and CEO of the port of Felixstowe, Clemence Cheng.
"Rail is an increasingly important differentiator for shipping lines as well as importers and exporters and we are able to offer them a greater number of rail services to more destinations, more often, than any other port," he said in a statement.
"Rail is also a key factor in reducing the environmental impact of transport and helps reduce road congestion. We are continuing to invest heavily in rail infrastructure at Felixstowe and are currently working with Network Rail on capacity enhancements to the Felixstowe Branch Line," added Mr Cheng.
There are a total of 66 freight train movements at the port of Felixstowe making it the UK's busiest intermodal rail freight terminal, according to the port.
In addition to Freightliner, services are offered by GB Railfreight and DB Cargo to a range of destinations including Glasgow, Manchester, Trafford Park, Liverpool, Leeds, Teesport, Birmingham, Doncaster, Rotherham, Hams Hall, Daventry, Wakefield, Ditton (Widnes), Birch Coppice and Bristol.
2017-12-20