Forth Ports, Eddie Stobart and Direct Rail Services have announced a new weekend service linking, for the first time by rail, the ports of Tilbury and Grangemouth
The new two-way rail service will commence on Friday 28th June and has been launched on the back of customer demand to open up the rail link between the South of England with Central Scotland. The first train will leave Tilbury on a Friday and will travel via Daventry overnight arriving into Grangemouth on a Saturday. Roundtrip distance for the rail trips is more than 800 miles.
The service, which uses the DRS locomotives and wagon fleet, has a capacity to travel with 36 45ft containers and will be managed by Eddie Stobart working closely with both Forth Ports and DRS. Northbound loads will include retail goods, food and drink. The southbound journey from Grangemouth will support the Scotland’s export market with the movement of spirits, chemicals and fresh food including potatoes.
Peter Ward, Commercial Director at The Port of Tilbury, said: “Linking our ports in the South East and Scotland by rail has been a priority for us and we are pleased to partner with Eddie Stobart and DRS on this new service.
“The service comes on the back of an increase in business at our busy container terminals and underpins our commitment to provide sustainable and cost-effective logistics solutions for our customers, aiding growth and competitiveness in the supply chain.
“This is the first time that a rail service truly links our ports in Tilbury and Grangemouth, which opens up a number of import and export opportunities for our business and customers.”
John Clark, Sector Director at Eddie Stobart, said: “Eddie Stobart Logistics remains one of the only UK operators to offer genuine modal choice for customers, and we’re delighted to be able to extend our rail offering through our new partnership with Direct Rail Services and Forth Ports.
“Unlike many rail operators, our services are built in direct response to customer requirements – that’s why we’re introducing a new service that will link the Port of Tilbury to Grangemouth for the first time. We believe this will help to provide our customers with a cost effective and sustainable means of moving goods between Southern England and Central Scotland.”
Chris Connelly, Chief Operating Officer at DRS, commented: “We are proud and excited to be working with Forth Ports and Eddie Stobart on this innovative project utilising our state-of-the-art locomotives and wagon fleet. Through partnerships such as these many more road miles can be saved and huge environment benefits will continue to be delivered by rail.”
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