Chris Heaton-Harris MP, Minister of State at the Department for Transport with particular responsibility for rail, has officially opened the new strategic rail freight interchange at SEGRO Logistics Park East Midlands Gateway. This followed the introduction of the first dedicated service to and from the Port of Felixstowe, operated by Maritime Intermodal, a subdivision of Maritime Transport.
The 17-acre open-access terminal, capable of handling up to sixteen 775-metre-long freight trains daily and providing storage capacity for over 5,000TEU, is the first to connect to the Castle Donington freight line, providing direct access to the UK’s network of rail freight interchanges and all major UK Ports.
Opening ceremony guests included representatives from global shipping lines, rail freight companies, UK Ports, retailers, freight forwarders and trusted suppliers. The Maritime Intermodal Two locomotive was also present on the day, joined by three other locomotives hauled by DB Cargo (UK), GB Railfreight and Freightliner.
Commenting on the new terminal, the Rail Minister said: “The rail freight sector is vital to the UK, not only supporting economic growth and international transport links, but driving down emissions by removing around seven million lorry journeys a year from Britain’s roads. This new Gateway provides direct access to the UK’s major ports, demonstrating that Britain is open for business and our commitment to boosting jobs and trade while cleaning up our air.”