Peel Ports have launched their first rail freight service from the port of Liverpool, as part of a partnership with DB Cargo.
The new service will provide a rail route between the quayside at Liverpool and Scotland, helping reduce congestion around the port of Liverpool — a major step in Peel Port’s commitment to reducing road haulage miles locally.
The inaugural journey was officially launched by Metro Mayer Steve Rotheram on Tuesday May 8, 2018 — which transferred goods to the Mossend terminal in Glasgow.
Rotheram said: “Improving our connectivity, both logistically and digitally, is a key driver in transforming the Liverpool City Region and this new rail freight service is an important part of that process.
“It also offers an environmentally friendly way of moving cargo arriving in the Port of Liverpool, by taking traffic off the roads.
“The prosperity of our city region is intrinsically linked to the success of the Port of Liverpool so it is great to see it respond to market demands on efficiency and sustainability in a way that benefits the wider community.”
The new service will feature up to 30 wagons capable of carrying over 40 containers per trip — and will initially run three days a week, with DB Cargo providing the rail haulage to transport exports for global markets via direct deep-seas routes from Liverpool.
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The port of Liverpool has a W10 gauge clearance capability, allowing 9ft 6in containers to be carried on standard deck height rail wagons.
Scottish-based Walker’s Shortbread, which produces 40,000 tons of biscuits annually, will be the first customer to utilize this service — exporting 700 containers a year to America.
Cygnet PG, the largest potato producer in the UK, has also signed on to the service.
Container Director at Peel Ports, Jouke Schaap, said: “This is an important milestone event for us and our partners, DB Cargo.
“We know that cargo owners are looking for more efficient ways of getting their goods from A to B, and this rail freight service provides them with a simpler, more cost-effective and environmentally friendly way of doing that.
“It will also open up global markets for thousands of Scottish exporters looking to transport their goods around the world.
“This new service underlines our commitment to working with our customers and the wider supply chain to transform UK logistics practices to ensure the door-to-door journey is optimized.”
