Stobart Rail has started regular refrigerated train services between Spain and London.
The 1,100 mile long freight route has been opened up by Stobart with DB Schenker supplying the traction. The first train arrived in England via the Channel Tunnel on 30th October, from Valencia shortly after midnight.
The new weekly service provides a low carbon alternative for retailers and consumers importing fresh Spanish produce. The news comes as the rail industry steps up its attack on the road lobby.
Dismissing claims from the RAC Foundation that plans for an expanded high speed rail network suffered from ‘appraisal optimism’ Michael Roberts, Chief Executive, ATOC, said, ‘Our major cities will be brought closer together, while providing a cleaner, greener alternative to car and air travel which will encourage more people to take the train.’
The new Spanish train is the second temperature controlled service to use the Channel Tunnel. Norfolk Line and Freight Europe have been running regular temperature controlled services from Italy since July.
Says Rail Freight Group chairman, Tony Berkeley, ‘These new services demonstrate that rail freight can operate competitively and reliably across long distances.’ He added, ‘We urge customers and shippers to try them, so that volumes and frequencies can build up in this very important market.’
Stobart Rail plans to extend the service to its base in the north at Widnes. ‘We believe this service represents a real breakthrough. For the first time, supermarkets and consumers have a quicker and much lower carbon alternative to importing fresh fruit and veg from Spain by road,’ said Andrew Tinkler, CEO of Stobart Group.
The new service represents a major triumph for the rail freight industry which has seen freight volumes grow by 60% since privatisation.
