The Solent Rail Terminal at the Port of Southampton has reported significant growth in both rail and container operations during the first year following its multi-million-pound infrastructure upgrade.
The terminal, operated by Solent Stevedores, is celebrating a year since the completion of its award-winning upgrade. The improvements included an additional 12 acres of space, a 130-metre extension to the rail loading pad, and an increase in capacity to handle 12 intermodal daily trains, up from 8 previously.
As a result, the terminal has recorded a 23 per cent increase in rail moves compared to the same period last year.
The 18-acre yard, which now incorporates Maintenance and Repair (M&R) functions as well as laden and empty container storage within a single site boundary, has seen a 122 per cent increase in lifts following the upgrade.
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Mark Hooper, Director of Rail and Containers at Solent Stevedores, commented: “This project was driven by a need to shift cargo movement from road to rail, and this newly expanded facility has not only achieved that but allows the capacity for further growth as intermodal rail freight continues to grow.”
The upgrades have also enabled a 125 per cent increase in containers handled, with the terminal now capable of processing up to 180,000 containers annually.
In addition to increased capacity, the terminal’s Maintenance and Repair function has expanded its offerings, now providing bespoke conversions, container upgrades, and liner bags as part of its service portfolio.
Earlier this year, the Port of Southampton welcomed Fortescue Green Pioneer, the world’s first dual-fuel ammonia-powered vessel. The vessel’s visit to Southampton will reportedly allow the UK to investigate the viability of ammonia-fueled vessels for operation in European waters.
