DP World doubles rail links

Logistics company DP World has doubled its rail capacity between London Gateway and Southampton, two of the UK’s largest container ports.

DP World launched its second weekly rail service between London Gateway and Southampton on 1 October. The new mid-week train is operated by rail freight transport company Freightliner.

Chris Lawrenson, managing director of intermodal logistics at Freightliner Group, stated: “Freightliner are delighted to continue supporting DP World with their second weekly port train service, working in partnership to develop further modal shift between Southampton and London Gateway.

“Our fleet of rolling stock and carbon-efficient trains provide customers with lower-carbon options for their international container movements.”

The expansion is set to enhance UK supply chain resilience while slashing carbon emissions by cutting more than one million truck miles a year.

It augments the weekend service, which was launched in 2022 to boost the resilience of customer supply chains.

The new service provides customers with increased access to extensive storage and handling, freight forwarding and delivery services at London Gateway Logistics Park – the largest port-adjacent logistics park in the UK, with 9.25m square feet of gross floor area.

Customers using the new rail service can also benefit from DP World’s Modal Shift Programme, a financial incentive for customers to move import-laden containers via rail to railheads within 140 miles of the Southampton logistics hub. The programme has already boosted the share of rail freight at Southampton from 21% to more than 30%.

John Trenchard, vice-president of commercial and supply chain at DP World in the UK, said: “Launching a second rail service between London Gateway and Southampton is the next logical step for DP World, given the clear benefits for our customers.

“Providing a cleaner and more cost-efficient way to move cargo across the country is a key priority for DP World in the UK, and modal shift has consistently proven to be a reliable and flexible solution.”

In addition to its hubs at Southampton and London Gateway, DP World offers logistics, forwarding, and European transport capabilities, all of which are integrated into the company’s global network.