146 NEWSHelping ensure a sustainable future for UK rail freight March 2021

Tri-mode locos haul freight’s green future

P.3 £17m Southampton freight upgrade

P.9 Stadler and Rail Operations (UK) sign new deal for RFG hosts first latest Class 93 tri-mode locomotives virtual Quiz Night

Stadler and Rail Operations (UK) have signed requirements. The two LTO battery packs provide a framework agreement for 30 Class 93 tri- 400kW extra power to supplement the engine mode locomotives. An initial batch of 10 when it is running in diesel/battery hybrid mode as locos are due for delivery in early 2023. well as last mile carbon free shunting operation.

The Class 93 is a Bo’Bo’ mixed-traffic locomotive Karl Watts, CEO, Rail Operations (UK), said: based on Stadler’s Class 68 and Class 88 locos. “The rail industry has acted very positively It could significantly reduce carbon emissions for in understanding its role in reducing carbon both rail freight as well as potential passenger emissions and improving inner city air quality. The P.18 transport services. Class-93 fleet, with its array of green credentials, will allow us to lead the way in supporting the Malcolm Group In electric mode, it is able to run on 25kV AC rail industry deliver its decarbonisation targets. celebrates 20 years overhead lines with a power of 4,000 kW. It Furthermore, with its impressive state-of-the- in rail freight features a Caterpillar C32 engine and Lithium art specification, the class 93s also allow us Titanate Oxide (LTO) traction battery packs, to develop new markets and modernise many allowing it to operate over non-electrified routes. aspects of UK train operations”. • The diesel engine has a nominal power of 900 kW and meets EU 97/68 Stage V emission

Have you registered yet to attend our Annual Scottish P. 21 Conference? ABP invests in new automotive service Join us on 24 March to hear the latest updates on the key challenges and opportunities impacting the sector.

All details are on page 3. Mar 2021

RFG Director-General’s Update

some understanding of future passenger demand, and that Railways facing cannot be tested until something closer to economic normality is restored. And even those decisions and announcements that the long wait could be made are subject to the cycle of news, and of course the upcoming local and mayoral elections. So whilst these By Maggie Simpson OBE, factors play out within Government, it seems we may have to Director-General, continue waiting. Rail Freight Group(RFG). That does not however mean that everything is on hold, and there continues to be positive developments across the sector. We were pleased to see that Phase 2A of HS2 received Royal Assent meaning it now has the necessary powers to move into Last week (22 Feb) the Prime Minister set out his road the construction phase. Further south, rail freight is now actively map for reopening society. As always there were mixed involved in the construction of phase 1 with 60-70 trains per reactions, for some the unlocking is happening too quickly week now operating and new flows set to come live imminently. set against the risks from Covid, and for others not fast We expect to see rail freight supporting Phase 2A too, and enough set against the societal and economic risks of indeed later phases when they also proceed. restrictions. Wherever you are on the spectrum though, it is clear that many activities will not be resuming for many Our members are not waiting either to start new services and weeks yet, and we will have to continue to wait. make investments for the future. The announcement by Rail Operations Group that they have placed an order for new Class It seems it is no different for the railways either. The much 93 tri-mode locomotives has sent a clear message that the promised White Paper on rail reform is still unpublished, as industry is serious about decarbonisation and prepared to invest is the DfT Transport Decarbonisation Plan and the Integrated to do so. Equally the trials by DB Cargo of alternative fuel in Rail Plan for the North. Various rail enhancements appear to the existing locomotive fleet shows an innovative approach to be stuck in the pipeline pending spending decisions, and even reducing emissions. There is also ongoing investment in new modest programmes such as the Mode Shift Revenue grant services and terminals which you can read about in this edition scheme are still waiting for budget confirmation. of RFG News. So whilst we are waiting, we are certainly not This is perhaps no surprise, given the current fiscal situation and wasting our time. continued uncertainty over the later stages of unlocking. It is hard to determine the direction of travel for the railways without

The awards recognise excellence in all aspects of rail freight. • Outstanding Individual Contribution The period of eligibility covered by the awards is 1 April 2020 • Young Rail Freight Professional to 31 March 2021, so we anticipate that there will be many • Business of the Year Award (nominated and chosen by the examples of outstanding efforts made by members of the judges from entries received) rail freight community during the Covid-19 crisis. In fact, we have added a special category to recognise Covid Heroes – Entry process hopefully a category for one year only! Submissions must be made by RFG corporate members and must refer to activities taking place between 1 April 2020 and 31 We would encourage all our members to use this opportunity to March 2021. Members may compete in as many entry categories take the chance to acknowledge the outstanding work done by as they wish and can enter the same project/innovation etc in your teams up and down the country, each and every day. We different categories if appropriate. are planning that winners will be presented with their trophies at an informal ceremony and dinner on Thursday 9 September at Each entry submitted must not exceed 2,000 words, although De Vere Latimer Estate, Chesham, Bucks HP5 1UG. judges welcome supporting statements from third parties that do (Otherwise it will be online as it was last year). not exceed 500 words. No pre-published advertising or market- ing materials will be accepted for consideration. Awards categories • Customer Care (incorporating Support Services) All entries, including an entry form, should be sent to yvonne@ • Community and Environmental Responsibility rfg.org.uk and must be received no later than noon on Friday 28 • Innovation & Technical Development May 2021. • • Rail Freight Project of the Year • Covid Heroes Special Award Click here for full details on award categories and how to enter. Mar 2021

News in Brief

• RFG’s Director-General Maggie Simpson OBE was recently published in The Scotsman, discussing the challenges for transporting timber by rail and the significant opportunities yet to be realised. Click here to read the article.

• Segro has chosen The improvements mean freight trains will no Winvic to deliver a major longer need to move in and out of Freightliner’s Southampton gets infrastructure works at Maritime Terminal to load and unload goods. Segro Logistics Park Combined with new track, allowing trains to £17m upgrade for Northampton Gateway, move at higher speeds, plus longer sidings, the a 450-acre multimodal efficiency of freight operations will be boosted rail freight logistics hub located by as much as 30%. Network Rail has completed a £17m next to junction 15 of the M1. When complete, the upgrade for freight services accessing the It also brings environmental benefits, as longer development will comprise Port of Southampton. freight trains mean will cut down on the number 5m sq ft of modern, highly of lorries on the roads. Each train will be able to sustainable industrial Since the end of January, engineers have carry up to 14 extra containers – the equivalent facilities and a Strategic worked around the clock between Southampton of 14 HGVs – to Birmingham, Leeds and Rail Freight Interchange Central and Redbridge, remodelling lines used Manchester, cutting down on greenhouse gas (SRFI). by freight trains to access the port. Almost a emissions. mile of new track, 22 new signals and 14 new • The next ORR rail freight sets of switches and crossings, which allow Charlene Wallace, Network Rail’s director usage and performance trains to move between tracks, have been of freight, national passenger and customer statistics are set to be installed to transform both the railway and the experience, said: “We’re delighted to see this released on 27 May at way freight services are handled. programme moving forward, building on the 9.30am. work already undertaken in Southampton that To complete the project and give the green is helping our customers run longer and heavier light to longer trains, engineers needed to trains. We’re committed to getting more freight • HS2 is looking for a commission the railway’s new signals in a line onto rail and schemes like this give the sector specialist contractor to closure between Saturday 13 and Friday 19 the boost it needs to deliver.” • build the high speed rail February. project’s central control centre and maintenance depot at Washwood Heath. The £27m contract, will transform the Register now to attend our virtual 30 hectare brown field site into the nerve centre of Annual Scottish Conference the HS2 network. 24 March 2021 | Webinar • STAR Capital RFG will be holding its Annual Scottish - Martin Jones, Deputy Director, Access & Partnership has Conference on 24 March from 9.30 am to 4 International at ORR – Office of Rail and Road announced that it has pm. We are delighted to welcome Cabinet - Keith Fisken, SESTran and Paul Davison, acquired Rail Operations Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and AECOM UK Limited, who have Connectivity Michael Matheson MSP, who - Shona Clive, Project lead for the Rail Cluster the Rail Operations will deliver our keynote address. Builder project Group Ltd and Rail - Neil Sime, Managing Director, Victa Railfreight Operations (Rolling The event will be split into three key parts: the - Chris Swan, Head of Rail, Tarmac Stock Management) Ltd first on ‘Policy for Scottish Rail Freight’; the subsidiaries. Additionally, second on ‘A framework for development’; and We will also have presentations from Forth ROUK has a new the third on ‘Latest market opportunities’. Ports, PD Stirling/Mossend International subsidiary, Orion, which Railfreight Terminal, and other RFG members aims to provide high- Key topics for discussion will include Supporting who will outline their current activities and speed logistics. growth, rail reform, decarbonisation and key future plans. STAR has acquired a market updates. majority stake in Rail Tickets cost only £55 (+ VAT) per person. Operations UK and Confirmed speakers include: will provide significant Click here to register to attend. growth in capital to boost - Alex Hynes, Managing Director, Scotland’s expansion plans. Railway, Network Rail 3 Mar 2021 Meeting report: Network Rail’s The missing edge: The value of Freight Plans for 2021 specialism in rail sector R&D tax

RFG was delighted to welcome Network Rail’s new freight claims director, Charley Wallace, to a webinar discussing the key challenges ahead of the sector in 2021. 17 March 2021 | Webinar

The meeting was well attended and RFG would like to thank Join us for a special presentation on R&D tax relief by everyone who took the time to listen in. ForrestBrown, the UK’s largest specialist R&D tax adviser.

Click here or the image below to view the webinar recording on You may already be claiming but every R&D tax credit claim our YouTube channel. • is unique and comes with its own nuances. There are three important questions you should always ask to sense check that your claims are optimised:

Value – are you getting what you deserve? Risk – are you being properly protected from risk? Time – does your claim preparation take up too much of your time?

Sign up to this webinar with ForrestBrown to find out more on getting everything your investment in innovation deserves.

Click here to register to attend. • Mar 2021 HS2 accelerates north as MPs give go-ahead to next phase to Crewe On 11 February, MPs gave the go-ahead to the next phases of HS2, with the Bill approving the building of Phase 2A north from the West Midlands to Crewe achieving Royal Assent.

Parliament’s approval for this new phase of HS2 plugs the line into one of the country’s principal rail hubs in Crewe. It also means the 58km (36miles) route will be built earlier than original- ly planned, with the opening now set to coincide with Phase One between London and the West Midlands. more in the supply chain, further cementing HS2’s critical role in Britain’s economic recovery from the pandemic.” Welcoming the decision, HS2 Ltd CEO, Mark Thurston said: “Par- liament’s approval for extending HS2 beyond the West Midlands The first phase of HS2 between London and the West Midlands is to the North is a clear sign that MPs recognise the enormous already well underway, with the start of construction announced potential of this scheme and continue to give their strong support. by the Prime Minister Boris Johnson in September 2020. There As the first major railway built in the North for over 100 years, are 240 sites now active along the Phase One route, employing HS2 will spur massive economic growth for our towns and cities, over 13,000 people and over 400 apprenticeships, with tens of help to level up the country, and provide cleaner, greener public thou-sands more jobs supported through the supply chain. Al- transport for millions. As construction starts, this new phase of most 2,000 companies have worked on the project to date, with work will very quickly support 5,000 jobs in the North, with many 98% of them based in Britain. •

RFG Event Review North West Freight challenges and potential solutions The North West is a hugely important region for rail freight. In a recent webi- nar, three speakers gave us an insight into the activities and challenges of the region.

Peter Walley, Strategic Rail Officer, Trans- port for Greater Manchester (TfGM), dis- cussed the authority’s Freight Routeing Study and the implications for freight growth. He explained that the three-stage alternative routeing proposal for traffic aims to take waste and give it a ‘second study looked at current freight activity, de- currently using the very congested Cas- life’ where items are reused, recycled or veloped a series of forecast of rail freight tlefield corridor route in Manchester. This recovered for their energy content. demand for 2043/44 and then analysed included identifying a western route into the two to understand the impact on the Trafford Park as well as looking for a new It moves one million tonnes per year by network. terminal site. rail in the UK, mainly from cities to en- ergy-from-waste or energy recovery fa- The results show that terminal location is He proposed an additional site at Carring- cilities. In Merseyside, it moves 440,000 a key challenge, although they are broad- ton Park which would be have advantage tonnes p.a. to its Wilton facility by rail, off- ly in the right places. But even the most over Trafford Park in that it would be ca- setting 127,000 tonnes of CO2 per year. cautious forecasts show that the number pable of taking 700m+ trains without split- Government and local authority focus on of freight paths needs to double on many ting, have direct access to gantries and be decarbonisation and sustainability pro- routes and there are capacity challenges suitable for future expansion. vides good opportunities for Suez but with the desired growth in passenger traf- He showed outline maps of rail routes into it faces challenges obtaining additional fic. the proposed site, requiring 3.5km of new paths when it occasionally requires them line, with 2.5km through brownfield sites. on a Sunday after a week of supply chain The decarbonisation agenda is a clear Phil explained the benefit /cost analysis, issues. It also asks for more advanced opportunity but requires investment in using Network Rail’s own appraisal) was notification of Network Rail track posses- new technology by operators and a pro- 4.5 – 1. sions to allow better waste flow planning gramme of electrification. He asked freight via alternative routes. operators and others to provide TfGM with Ed Best from Suez gave an overview of specific evidence that would help support the company’s waste business with a fo- If you would like the presentations, con- rail infrastructure investment, cus on the North West and the opportu- tact [email protected] nities and challenges faced there. Suez Phil Smart of Rail Future presented an 5 RFG Sponsor Partners 2021

Please join us in welcoming our Sponsor Partners for this year.

The Rail Freight Group is delighted to announce its Sponsor Partners for 2021. Each of the companies involved comes from within the RFG membership and has chosen to provide additional support for the Group’s activities and events throughout the year. Together they represent a wide range of key stakeholders and RFG would like to thank all of them for their commitment to the Group and ongoing support for the UK rail freight sector.

Associated British Ports (ABP) owns and operates 21 ports in England, Scotland, and Wales, and handles approximately a quarter of the country’s seaborne trade. ABP’s 21 ports, together with the other transport-related businesses that constitute the ABP group, form a UK-wide network capable of handling every conceivable type of cargo. ABP is backed by investment in modern facilities and equipment, and supported by experienced staff.

Colas Rail is one of Europe’s leading suppliers of railway infrastructure services, constructing and renewing all forms of railways across Europe and the UK. Our aim is to be the partner of choice for all aspects of rail infrastructure solutions by leading by our values. We already have an impressive portfolio of award winning work. The size and strength of our capabilities means we can deliver truly integrated solutions.

DB Cargo UK is the country’s largest rail freight operator. We operate trains which deliver everything from construction materi- als to build houses to finished vehicles; we transport bulk materi- als and containerised goods to support manufacturing and retail supply chain across the UK. We also deliver services to maintain the rail infrastructure network throughout the UK.

ERMEWA‘s mission is to guarantee the success of a rail-based supply chain. We pool resources and technologies, and invest for our customers, ensuring them optimal performance and safety.

Forth Ports is a dynamic UK-based multimodal ports owner and operator. Our ports are strategically positioned and serve as logistical gateways across the UK. We offer businesses a wide range of diverse, port-related services, and help connect the UK with Europe and the rest of the world.

Frazer-Nash is a leading systems and engineering technology company. We understand the challenges facing the rail freight sector, and deliver technical solutions that enable freight organi- sations to overcome their most difficult problems.

6 Freightliner, a subsidiary of Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (G&W), is an established award-winning rail freight haulier, operat- ing across the UK, Continental Europe and the Middle East. Offering customers a wide range of rail freight solutions to cater for the requirements of a diverse market sector, Freightliner pro- vides a safe, reliable and cost-effective rail freight partnership.

As well as being the largest container port in the UK, handling 4 million TEU (twenty foot equivalent units) annually, the Port of Felixstowe is also the country’s largest intermodal rail freight terminal offering more intermodal rail services, to more inland destinations, than any other UK port.

An integral part of Malcolm Logistics, Malcolm Rail offers daily round trip Anglo-Scottish services between DIRFT, Mossend and Grangemouth. Our three terminals offer secure loaded and empty container storage. Our road and rail services offer totally integrated supply chain solutions including over five million sq ft of warehousing which is largely bonded and rail connected.

Maritime Transport is the UK’s leading intermodal transport operator, providing complete supply chain coverage through a multitude of bespoke services including container transport, do- mestic distribution, rail, cargo handling and warehousing, freight management, and truck sales.

PD Ports is one of the UK’s major port groups with a reputation for excellence gained from decades of experience and a highly skilled workforce. With headquarters in the north of England, PD Ports operates from locations across the UK. Teesport, owned and operated by PD Ports, has rail connections to Felixstowe and Scotland calling at its onsite intermodal rail terminal.

Porterbrook has been at the heart of Britain’s railway for over 25 years. We currently have almost 4,000 vehicles on lease or on order and we own almost a third of the national passenger fleet. Every day our trains safely travel over a million miles, enabling 1.5m passenger journeys.

Rail Freight Services (RFS) is the premier integrated service provider of material handling and movement solutions for the rail, marine and construction sectors within the UK and across Europe.

7 Part of the global SUEZ group, SUEZ employs more than 5,000 people in the UK and since 1988, has provided innovative and environmentally responsible solutions to waste and water management for households, local authorities, industry and commerce. SUEZ believes waste is a valuable resource. The organisation’s goal is to help create a circular economy in which nearly all waste materials are given a second life through re-use, recycling or energy recovery.

Touax Rail Ltd is the second largest lessor of intermodal railcars in Europe, which currently manages a varied range of more than 10 500 wagons/platforms, such as intermodal, car- and coil – carrying, sliding wall wagons, hopper and powder railcars for transporting heavy goods.

Victa Railfreight provides a wide range of operational & logistics services to rail freight operators, customers and suppliers. We hold a UK wide Freight Train Operators Licence specifically aimed at achieving efficiencies and providing new business opportunities in collaboration with other freight operating compa- nies.

VTG Rail UK Ltd is the UK’s leading rail wagon leasing organ- isation, pioneering innovation in rail freight rolling stock, setting the standard for customer service and the leading the develop- ment of industry standards.

Our latest new members

Rail Freight Group would like to welcome its latest new members:

- RPS Group - Marsh Commercial - IPEX Consulting - Fishbone Solutions - Crowle Wharf Engineers (CWE)

Please feel free to go to their respective websites and check out their products and services.

ORR confirms Larkinson as CEO

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has confirmed John Larkinson as its Chief Executive Officer, following a public competition.

As is protocol for a role at this level, the appointment by the ORR Board has now been endorsed by the Prime Minister. John has been interim CEO since October 2018.

He is an economist by background, spending most of his career across a range of transport-related posts in consultancy and in central government, including as Director of Network Regulation & Affordability at the Strategic Rail Authority. Joining ORR in 2005, John has been Director of Railway Markets & Economics and Director of Planning & Performance, and has been a member of the ORR Board since March 2017. 8 RFG Event Review Mar 2021 RFG welcomes members and families to first Quiz Night

Rail Freight Group was delighted to host its first virtual Quiz Night on the evening of Tuesday 9 February, replacing what would have been our Members’ Party in Central London.

The quiz was expertly hosted by our compère Craig, who navigated all the teams through 10 rounds of general knowledge (and one rail freight) questions. It was great fun for all the family and RFG is hoping to repeat the quiz later in the year.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us on the night and congratulations to our winning team ‘The Pawneeans’ (RFG Board Member Simon Blake and family), and to runners-up Stephen Mcgurk of Porterbrook and the ‘Young Buffers’ (Rupert Dyer, Julian Worth, Keith Dumelow and David Mathew). •

GBRf kicks off new service from Portbury

GB Railfreight (GBRf) has officially begun a new service from Portbury to Acton, on behalf of Aggregate Industries.

Responding at short notice, there was the requirement for the GBRf team to immediately start working to learn the new route, familiarise themselves with the new site, and prepare for the smooth operation of the first few services. of Aggregate Industries, said: “We are sustainable delivery and surety of supply These services will move 90,000 tonnes delighted to have been able to work so for construction materials to the South of aggregate, which amounts to around 60 quickly with support from GBRf to convert East market.” • trains and considerations are being given a window of opportunity, to a practical to further shipments. and commercially sound reality. This new source of material will further support Simon Blake, General Manger – Rail the Aggregate Industries offer for both 9 Mar 2021 Centre at Wigan. benefits that brings,” said Emma Dempsey, Freightliner trials Chief Commercial Officer for G&W’s Following consultation with Freightliner UK/Europe Region companies. “As the potential modal and Network Rail, a trial train was arranged largest operator of carbon neutral traction, to test and evaluate the feasibility of we are continually developing solutions to shift to rail for delivering Kraft Heinz products by rail to deliver decarbonisation targets, working in Wigan. collaboration with business partners and Kraft Heinz customers, and we were delighted to be Operating overnight, the trial was part of the team to trial this potential modal The Innovate UK sponsored Liverpool- considered a complete success and Kraft shift to rail”. Humber Optimisation of Freight Heinz will now be considering whether Transport (LHOFT) project has been to build on the findings of the trial going The LHOFT project uniquely brings working with partners Kraft Heinz, forward. together key stakeholders in the the University of Hull and Oxford Rail unitised freight industries with the aim Strategies, to develop an intermodal “Freightliner is always at the forefront of of establishing an East-West freight rail freight solution for the haulage of developing innovative, bespoke solutions transport corridor in the north of the UK. products from Elst (in the Netherlands) to allow more freight to be moved by rail This corridor will link Liverpool in the West to the Kraft Heinz National Distribution and all the associated environmental to the Humber port complex in the East. •

FM Conway doubles rail freight operation at The Port of Tilbury

The Port of Tilbury and FM Conway have announced that it has extended its agreement for a further five years to load aggregate for FM Conway’s Theale facility.

The new deal will also see the doubling of rail freight using its rail service provider Freightliner to Theale with two trains leav- ing Tilbury each week from January. The trains will leave the port each week on a Tuesday and a Friday taking over 3000 tonnes of aggregate by rail to Theale to be used on the UK’s highway network and other construction projects.

Mark Faraway, Senior Commercial Manager from The Port of Tilbury said: “This is great news to start the year. Our bulks business at The Port of Tilbury is thriving as we have the key ingredients to ensure an efficient and greener supply chain for our customers. We have a good relationship with the team at FM Conway and we are pleased that we can continue this for the next five years.”

DB Cargo UK to accelerate digital solutions

DB Cargo UK has appointed a new Chief Transformation and Digitalisation Officer to drive a step change in its use of technology to improve operational effectiveness and customer service.

Marie Hill, who has been Head of IT at DB Cargo UK since January 2017, is now a permanent member of the UK Board with immediate effect. Her newly created Transformation Team will work with departments across the business to develop and implement plans to make the company more innovative, agile and efficient – a key pillar of DB’s future strategy to improve and grow its business.

CEO Andrea Rossi said: “I believe that by accelerating and expanding our digital capabilities we will significantly improve the quality of the services we can offer to both existing and new customers. The technological landscape continues to change rapidly and Marie’s role will be to develop and implement a roadmap that maximises future opportunities to improve the way we do business with our customers.” • 10 Mar 2021

activities we carry out on their behalf are being done safely and DB Cargo UK’s in line

Maintenance Teams with all our legal requirements,” he said. “The ISO 45001 standard means that going forward Maintenance colleagues at secure ISO45001 all levels in the business will have a much greater involvement in the identification and management of health and safety risks DB Cargo UK’s Maintenance Teams at Crewe, Stoke and through greater consultation and participation. Toton have successfully achieved the coveted ISO 45001 standard for the management of health and safety. “Strong leadership and giving colleagues a greater voice will ensure we continue to develop a safety culture rooted in local, Despite the disruption to rail freight operations caused by grassroots experience as well as industry best practice,” added the coronavirus pandemic, the teams took the opportunity in Raj. 2020 to pursue their aspiration to improve the understanding, management and mitigation of risks across the three sites. The migration process was led by Stoke-based Maintenance Team Coordinator Peter Edwards and Toton-based Locomotive DB Cargo UK offers industry-leading maintenance solutions to Maintainer Nick Gosling, both of whom are nominated Health & Freight Operating Companies and Train Operating Companies Safety champions. across the UK and Europe. Collectively, its professional team of engineers has over 10,000 years’ experience in traction and DB Cargo UK offers a range of Maintenance services from its rolling stock maintenance. three depots – Crewe IEMD, Stoke WMD and Toton TMD.

National Maintenance Manager Raj Basi said migrating from Services include traction & rolling stock inspections, routine OHAS 18001 to ISO 45001 was testimony to the Maintenance maintenance, general and heavy overhauls, modifications, teams’ commitment to continuous improvement. load bank testing, wheel-set overhauls, paintshop services, pantograph overhauls and wagon repurposing. In addition, every “Considering the restrictions that have been in place over the year DB Cargo UK’s Breakdown and Recovery Team provides a past 12 months, this is a fantastic achievement and will give national re-railing service, enabling a rapid and effective recovery our customers the assurance they need that the maintenance service to keep the UK’s rail network moving. •

New brochure outlines why the UK needs more intermodal rail freight Rail Freight Group (RFG) and The UK Major Ports Group have joint published a brochure outlining the challenges and opportunities for the intermodal sector. It presents the case for supporting the decarbonisation of the sector, developing the use of rail freight at ports, increasing the capacity needed and the benefits such support offers.

The brochure includes case studies from across the country, further highlighting the prac- tical benefits of rail freight and why supporting the sector makes sense.

Click the image right to download your copy. •

11 Planning Update - Burges Salmon

Unusually for DCOs, two decisions have been challenged Planning Update recently and quashed by the High Court. On 15 February By Stephen Humphreys 2021, an Order of the High Court quashed the decision of Associate the Secretary of State to grant development consent for the Burges Salmon proposed redevelopment of Manston Airport. Originally granted on 9 July 2020 the DCO had been challenged by a local resident In this month’s article we explore on the basis that there were insufficient reasons given for not the long awaited publication of following the Examining Authority’s recommendation for refusal. the Welsh Government’s national The Secretary of State chose not to defend the challenge and development framework, known as the matter will now be referred back to the Secretary of State to Future Wales, which will influence re-determine the application. planning in the principality for the next two decades. We also look at two recent High Court In an unconnected case a local resident challenged the decisions to quash made development consent orders proposed Norfolk Vanguard offshore wind farm consent. (DCOs) and we also provide a brief general DCO update. Development consent had been granted for this 1800MW scheme on 1 July 2020. The matter in issue was whether it was The Welsh Government publishes Future Wales – The lawful for the Secretary of State to exclude the consideration of National Plan 2040 cumulative visual effects of part of this development with part On 24 February 2021 the Welsh Government published Future of another proposed offshore windfarm (known as the Norfolk Wales: The National Plan 2040, its eagerly anticipated national Boreas development, which is pending determination of the development framework responsible for shaping development DCO application). According to the decision provided by the in Wales over the next 20 years. Future Wales will form the High Court, the Secretary of State did not properly consider highest tier of Wales’ three tier planning system and it will these issues. As such the High Court quashed the consent provide spatial context and a top down strategic approach to all and provided that the Secretary of State needs “to give careful areas of planning. Future Wales is now the cornerstone of the consideration as to how the evaluation of cumulative impacts planning system in Wales as all policy below it needs to be in … for both projects should be approached in each decision.” conformity with it and all other policy (strategic and local plans) As both decisions are now sitting with the Secretary of State to have to be kept up to date to ensure they “work effectively” be determined, it will be interesting to see how the cumulative with Future Wales. The move has centralised policy, as Future effects are now dealt with. Wales is now part of the statutory development plan. As such, DCO update planning applications have to be determined in accordance with it and the local development plan (insofar as those local policies In January, Highways England secured development consent conform to Future Wales). for the A1 Birtley to Coal House Improvement Scheme. This was the 100th Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project It is envisaged that below Future Wales will sit four “strategic to be determined since the introduction of the DCO Regime. development plans” covering the four regions of Wales: The Interestingly, of all the developments which have come forward North, Mid Wales, the South West and the South East. Each over the past decade the bulk are energy developments (61), strategic development plan is broadly outlined within Future with 36 being transport related (roads, strategic rail frights Wales but no strategic plan been prepared yet. Future Wales interchanges, rail, air etc.); two have been waste projects and also specifies National and Regional Growth Areas where one was a water development scheme. development will be prioritised. The A1 Birtley scheme will widen the A1 to four lanes along a Future Wales provides a spatial strategy framework that sets 6.5km length between junction 65 and 67. The scheme will also out where the main areas of change are expected to take place. include the off-line replacement of Allerdene Railway Bridge It also addresses the main themes highlighted by the National immediately south of the existing structure to tie into the existing Infrastructure Commission for Wales and is meant to guide both structure at Junction 67 Coal House. public and private investment in Wales. At the heart of Future Wales are 11 Outcomes which collectively shape the entire plan. And finally, another Highways England scheme was granted Outcome 7 sets out how the Welsh Government wants to ensure consent in January: the A303 Sparkford to Ilchester Dualling that all methods of travel will have low environmental impacts project. The consent was the first scheme to be issued with and low emissions. There is a recognised need for sustainable a ‘minded to refuse’ letter where the Secretary of State noted transport infrastructure to enable easy and convenient access a number of issues which needed further clarification. Also, for businesses. and unusually, was that the Examining Authority’s report (recommending refusal) was published in advance of the In order to achieve the Outcomes, Future Wales establishes a Secretary of State taking a decision on the scheme. Highways range of policies that will each steer specific areas of planning England clearly addressed the concerns raised in the minded within Wales. Whilst there are no specific freight policies in to refuse letter and the Secretary of State granted consent Future Wales, Policy 10 considers international connectivity and against the Examiner’s recommendation. The scheme, once the need to bolster strategic gateways in Wales, including the delivered, will provide a continuous dual carriageway on the ports of Holyhead, Haven Waterway and Fishguard. There is A303 between the Podimore Roundabout and the Sparkford an ambition to support these gateways and to maximise their Bypass and follows the existing A303 corridor closely. benefits. In addition, there is recognition that any development around these areas should be managed to ensure that the operations of these strategic gateways is not constrained or compromised. Policy 11 deals with national connectivity and Contact it recognises the need for local planning authorities to support Stephen Humphreys, developments which improve national connectivity. Associate Burges Salmon [email protected] Two DCOs quashed by the High Court www.burges-salmon.com 12 Event Review

Session Two RSSB ‘In dialogue with rail After the first session, RSSB sent out questionnaires to the participants – and any others – to vote on priorities for future freight’ R&D. Luisa Moisio, R&D Programme Director, said engagement had been really good and a consensus was building. The two sessions ‘dialogue with rail freight’ were organised by RSSB (Rail Safety & Standards Board) in conjunction The priority subjects were then divided into Incremental (short- with Rail Freight Group to help the industry look at the term) Changes and Significant Changes, with a panel discussing available research and to identify new opportunities. each during the Session Two webinar, and other participants contributing via the chat function. Session One Incremental Changes Maggie Simpson OBE, Director General, RFG, said ideas can come from many different places and the webinar was the start 1) The Loads Book. It was written a long time ago and of a process to try and develop a framework for research going probably last significant upgrade was when the Class 66s were forward. introduced. Needs updating to ensure that newer locos are included properly. Network Rail noted that it has proposed a Luisa Moisio, R&D Programme Director, RSSB, said much good workstream to cleanse the data, add missing infrastructure and work was already underway and gave the example of REPAIR, locos, and to digitise it. However the research ask would be to “a game-changing tool in planning during network delays.” improve the modelling to gain better, more accurate data. REPAIR (Rapid Evaluation and Planning Analysis Infrastructure 2) Sectional running times. These are critical to ensuring the for Railways) is evidence of machine learning in action: taking timetable is effective for freight, and, linked to the loads book, patterns ands trends in data and making predictions from that. need to be updated, to ensure the ‘right compromise’ is used. Chris Jones, Manager – North East, Frazer-Nash Consultancy, Modelling based on real life data capture could be one approach. said: “AI is the process of turning data into experience. That is, taking data and doing something useful with it.” 3) Heavy Axle Weight. A very significant part of current bulk traffic runs as heavy axle weight. The incremental cost of The Logistics Institute at the University of Hull worked with running HAW on network is not clearly understood and research Frazer-Nash on the project and Amar Ramudhin, Director, from a civil engineering aspect could help to inform this debate. explained that REPAIR was all about delay prediction for individual trains at the infrastructure level, including crew Significant Changes constraints. It was working with NR+ to put all the information 1) Coupler strength – need better understanding of options to into one database to create a digital platform to help planners to improve coupler strength and rating of couplers to facilitate find the most efficient journeys. longer formations. Particularly relevant for double headed and It could determine, for instance, if it was better for a train to be certain routes. Maybe also look at digital couplings. There was diverted onto an alternative route or wait and leave three houses some discussion over where the real need for improvement later on the original route. was, and thus what the right scope might be. The team will be delivering software for user trials in early 2) Energy efficient and low emissions freight timetabling – need January to get feedback from the freight operating companies. to develop tools and guidance to help timetable development and support decision making. This can perhaps build on James Fox, Commercial Director, 3Squared, gave a quick existing work by Aether and . Tarmac and University of Derby outline of their RSSB funded research work DFCM (Dynamic Freight Capacity Management: a digital solution for the 3) Determine network impact of introduction of new loco power management, co-ordination and dissemination of VSTP (very systems eg electrification, hydrogen, bio fuels. Will these short term planning) schedules, solutions provide enough (reliable) power for heavy freight trains, and what might be the impact on the network About 20% of freight moves are VSTP and are generally unvalidated which leads to the risk of delays. The Path Planner The webinar then moved onto a session looking further forward software requests participants to use a standard format to send ‘Shaping the Future and Beyond Freight Alone’, focussing on information to Network Rail and trials will begin in the New Year. competition with road and depots. James Fox asked anyone who wishes to become involved to Participants warned of the major steps which road transport is contact him [email protected] taking in terms of decarbonisation – electric trucks, convoys, The second short session looked at research in Engineering. Paul driverless vehicles and even the electric motorways (using Gray, Professional Lead – Engineering, RSSB, acknowledged pantographs). It was noted that trucks have typically a 5-10year the enormous amount of work which the freight industry has life, compared to 30-40 for locos, so change is easier. In the end already done to recognise and reduce the derailment risk. it comes down to price – so we need to increase rates and/or cut costs to win business. It was also suggested that we maybe David Griffin, Principal System Safety Engineer, RSSB, said we should look at working more collaboratively with road and that there was a potential for derailment even when all train, integrating into a single supply chain. track and loading met the industry standards. The discussion on depots considered both maintenance and Philip Shackleton, Principal Industrial Fellow, University of freight depots. Suggestions that the use of mobile maintenance Hull, explained that steering groups have been set up to look units more efficient than bringing rolling stock into a depot. In at a variety of topics, including the higher tolerance of certain terminals, need to speed up loading/ discharge or maybe follow wagons to imbalances. road model of drop, swap and go. Also consider if there is a Other sessions covered highlighted the research that RSSB future for open air terminals operating in densely populated have been undertaking in People, skills and behaviour, and urban areas. Preparing for the future.

Continued over the page. 13 Mar 2021

Future steps Rail. Not just about what RSSB can fund. Can push some needs to the right places to take up and pursue them. Use list to argue Luisa Moiso explained that RSSB was now scoping out the for more funding in the future. ideas in the list to build a pipeline. Need experts from freight to work with RSSB. Need champions and sponsors for research to RSSB plans to reconvene the group in July 2021. Any endorse and agree on scopes and priorities. RSSB envisages suggestions, contact Robert Staunton, Robert.staunton@rssb. using existing groups. Some ideas ready to go now. For others org.uk – look at different avenues, including not just research. RSSB Many thanks to all the speakers and to RSSB for their work in already in constant dialogue with timetabling team at Network organising the event. •

Harwich branch line services more reliable following track works Reliability improvements have been completed on the Har- wich branch line, following track renewals and maintenance carried out by Network Rail.

Track, sleepers and ballast were all replaced by Network Rail’s engineers as part of a programme of upgrade works to keep passengers and freight services running safely and reliably. The work started on the 10 January and was completed over the weekend of 14 February.

Over a quarter of a mile of track was replaced near Harwich In- ternational station along with sleepers and over 600 tonnes of ballast, the stones that keep the track in place. The surfaces at three level crossings were also renewed as part of the work to prevent issues with the track and the road. Ellie Burrows, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia, said: “We’ve Just like road surfaces, track gets worn from constant use every renewed the track on the Harwich branch line to keep everything day. Network Rail’s engineers carry out inspections and repairs in good working order for our passenger and freight customers. regularly but over time the track becomes so worn that a full Track renewals are essential to reduce the number of delays and replacement is the only option to avoid speed restrictions that cancellations caused by faults, enabling both passengers and cause delays and cancellations. goods to arrive on time.” •

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14 Mar 2021

Westminster Update - JR Consulting

Early post-EU lorries now returning empty compared to 18% before Brexit, the Government’s figures were 30%, which was higher, but “over reactions the coming weeks and months the haulage system in general will readjust, particularly in terms of the requirements of the By Jonathan Roberts, Managing trade and co-operation agreement regarding cabotage and Director, JR Consulting. cross-trade”. She doubted the significance of reports about some companies shifting part of their operations to the EU – “We are not aware that this is part of a systematic picture of a Parliament returned virtually from substantial shift”. its Christmas recess, on 5th January. The subsequent two months have seen parliamentary questions and debates Facing comments about bureaucracy, Baroness Vere replied about how the UK and its commerce are bearing up after “The vast majority of traders within Great Britain and Northern last-minute agreements on post-transition Brexit rules, Ireland are ready to meet the new requirements at the border what is happening to transitions still applying, and how and are trading successfully… In the first three weeks of cross-Channel trade is faced by new complexities – and January there were 3.35 million visits to the Government the impact on freight transport. A sample of the issues website on transition content and 470,000 visits to business and the Government stance is highlighted below from the pages specifically. The Government have published a haulier House of Lords (where each question is a mini-debate). handbook in 14 language... I am sure that noble Lords will have seen that a haulier handbook focusing specifically on Northern End-of-transition impacts Ireland was published today.” She noted some hauliers from Baroness Randerson (LibDem transport spokesperson) asked Northern Ireland were now going via a sea-bridge from Ireland on 1st February “what assessment they have made of the rather than a quicker route across England, “however, we are impact of the end of the transition period of the United Kingdom’s not seeing a large-scale shift”. departure from the European Union on the logistics industry in Other members remained unconvinced by her replies. Baroness the United Kingdom.” Replying for the Government, Baroness McIntosh (Con) asked if she shared her concern that “the reason Vere of Norbiton commented that “the Government have been there are no queues at ports in relation to farm goods and fish working closely with the logistics industry over a number of years products is because many of them are stuck on the continental to understand and minimise the potential impacts of transition… port side? We have 100,000 pigs still stuck on farms, poultry is we have rolled out a multimillion-pound haulier communications down by 20%, and the fish scenario will be familiar to her.” The campaign and opened 46 information and advice sites around Government position recognised “the need to continue working the UK.” closely with businesses and certifiers as they adapt to the new Baroness Randerson pressed about the lack of new border requirements… There is extensive advice and support available. infrastructure “to minimise delays caused by the new Brexit There has been relatively little disruption at the border so far, red tape”. The Minister said there was “up to £200 million from but we are seeing regulations interpreted in different ways by the Port Infrastructure Fund… set aside and given to ports member states”. specifically for the things that she has outlined”. On the customs More use of the Channel Tunnel? side, there was up to £80 million of support for IT training and recruitment… there are very few such delays at the moment, as On 24th February, Lord Bradshaw asked “what assessment they the empty car parks in Kent will attest”. have made of the barriers to using the Channel Tunnel for the conveyance of rail freight; and what plans they have, if any, to Lord Berkeley (Lab) asked why, since there was little transport overcome such barriers”. Baroness Vere said the Government pressure, was the Government proposing to build a third inland was keen to see the expansion of rail freight services running border facility, and only notified interested parties by a ministerial through the tunnel. “It is ultimately a commercial decision for letter on 31st December? “Would there be a full environmental rail freight operators whether to facilitate new services, but the impact assessment”? Baroness Vere said the site, ‘White Cliffs’, Government are open to engaging with industry-led proposals was not intended to be a traffic management site, but would and potential new operators where there is a commercial serve “two functions: first, for customs checks, and, secondly, proposition.” for sanitary and phytosanitary checks, which are undertaken by Defra”. There was a statutory consultation period. Pressed further, Baroness Vere said the Government “had developed bespoke customs regimes for rail freight traffic Lord Bradshaw (LD) asked what was the daily flow of HGVs through the tunnel. We have already approved regimes at on to ferries and the shuttle compared with last year? Was Barking, Dagenham, Daventry, Scunthorpe and Widnes. We there evidence that HGVs are diverting to other ports—for are also looking at, for example, gauge clearance for alternative example, on the east coast—or direct to Ireland? Baroness access routes to the Channel Tunnel. At the heart of all this, the Vere said “freight flows are returning to normal, having suffered industry has to demonstrate to government that if we put these a significant reduction over the Christmas period when Covid interventions in place it will come forward with commercial testing was introduced… on the outbound we are basically at proposals.” around 85% of flows from last year, while on the inbound we are at 95% of flows from last year. There has been some change Baroness Jones (Green Party) suggested an innovations fund with hauliers seeking other routes because they may be more to help stimulate the move from road to rail. Baroness Vere said convenient, but nothing that we would not have expected.” there was a Mode Shift Revenue Support scheme. “It supports rail services where they may be slightly less commercial, to try to In response to other questions, she agreed with Lord Holmes get freight off the road and on to rail. During the Covid pandemic (Con) that “three end-to-end [IT] systems have been put in we made sure that part loads would also be supported… We place to assist industry with all the new requirements. They have increased funding to this scheme by 28% in 2021 and it are working well and are helping traders”. Replying to another now amounts to £20 million.” question arising from Road Haulage Association reports of Continued over the page. 50% of 15 Baroness McIntosh asked if the Government shared her wagons with lower decks.” concern that “rail freight was down 37% in January this year Lord German (LD) asked, in view of “only nine months of grace, over last year and that passenger traffic through the tunnel was what progress have the UK Government made in securing a down 71% in January over last year? What support might they bilateral agreement to operate trains through to Calais-Fréthun, be eligible for, for problems that are not of their making but are and what would be the impact on trade through the tunnel if the largely a result of… Brexit and the situation with Covid? Will she UK had to secure EU licensing in order to operate those trains?” join with me in paying tribute to… Lord Berkeley, without whose The Government position was that “We continue to work with good offices we may not have had a tunnel at all?” Baroness the French Government on seeking arrangements for the longer Vere noted that in February there was a 34% increase over term. This will include recognition of operator licences, safety January’s freight, and “therefore I feel that things are heading in certificates and train driver licences. We expect the impact of the the right direction”. longer-term arrangements on operators, when they are agreed, Lord Snape (Lab) observed “only around 1 million tonnes of to be minimal.” through-freight is taken across the Channel on long-distance Lord Berkeley observed that, as well as gauge enhancement, freight trains from this country, whereas more than 20 million there was a British need for “more terminals and capacity. tonnes is taken on 1.6 million lorries? If you add to it the 2.5 That would attract the just-in-time deliveries that I am sure she million lorries a year thundering down the M20 to use the sea would be very keen to see.” Baroness Vere said “Network Rail crossing at Dover, leaving these things to—as she puts it— is working with the freight operating companies on timetabling commercial matters when they are environmentally disastrous to ensure that we can prioritise freight, in particular in these is not what those of us who supported the Channel Tunnel from times of lower passenger numbers. Of course, passengers will its inception really believed.” The Minister replied that “whether come back to the trains one day and we need to make sure that a consignment uses conventional rail freight or an HGV will very whatever solution we put in place now is for the longer term… much depend on the nature of the goods being transported”. we will leave no stone unturned… we greatly welcome his input Baroness Randerson asked about the future of Eurostar in these matters.” services, which were in serious financial difficulty. “Does the Select Committee investigations Minister accept that, although the Government may not have a legal obligation to Eurostar, they have a moral duty to the planet The House of Lords hosts a European Union Select Committee to ensure the survival of this environmentally friendly alternative with wide investigatory and advisory powers. Its EU Goods Sub- to flying to Europe?” Baroness Vere replied “The Government committee reported to Government on several occasions during continue to discuss Eurostar’s financial situation with the French 2020: Government. At the moment there are no proposals on the On 30th July, about non-tariff barriers requiring urgent table.” consideration in the UK-EU negotiations Lord Rosser (Lab) queried what was meant by a 34% increase in Channel Tunnel use in February. The Minister replied that “freight flows decreased somewhat owing to both testing for On 10th December, about UK not being ready for the end of the hauliers, which had to be put in place quickly in December, and transition period. preparations for the end of the transition period in January”. She would write with more details. A new inquiry opened on 13th January 2021, to examine Lord Young of Cookham (Con) asked about “one of the the impact of the provisions set out in the EU-UK Trade and barriers referred to [is] the fact that gauges in the UK restrict Cooperation Agreement, and what a UK-EU relationship could the destination of much of the freight traffic coming through and should look like going forward. Currently most evidence is the tunnel? What progress is being made with the gauge being taken verbally by webcast, and web links are available enhancement programme to make it easier to send more freight here: https://committees.parliament.uk/work/956/future-ukeu- through the Channel Tunnel by rail?” relations-trade-in-goods/ Baroness Vere gave an extensive response: “This is a fascinating area... We are developing a number of loading gauge enhancement projects to extend the strategic freight network Contact Jonathan Roberts of routes to offer the greatest flexibility for carrying intermodal Managing Director shipping containers on standard wagons. We are working on [email protected] the Great Western main line between Didcot and Bristol, on www.jrc.org.uk the Midland main line between Syston and Trent and, as I have mentioned, we are looking at alternative routes to the Channel Tunnel. Clearances for W10 and W12 will probably offer fairly poor value for money, so further development is more likely to consider W9A, which would allow containers on specialist

Subscribe to RFG’s receive updates. We welcome content from our members, so if you are an YouTube Channel RFG corporate member and would like us to include any promotional videos please send an MP4 file to James at Don’t forget that the Rail Freight Group now has its own [email protected] YouTube Channel. We will be housing all videos of our webinars and other events on there so please feel free to subscribe to the channel and tick the notification bell to

16 RFG Events calendar RFG Events Calendar 2021

Despite the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the RFG has continued to adapt and offer a range of diverse and impactful events to its members.

The missing edge: The value of specialism in rail sector R&D tax claims

17 March 2021 | Webinar

Join us for a special presentation on R&D tax relief by ForrestBrown, the UK’s largest specialist R&D tax adviser. You may already be claiming but every R&D tax credit claim is unique and comes with its own nuances. There are three important questions you should always ask to sense check that your claims are optimised:

• Value – are you getting what you deserve? • Risk – are you being properly protected from risk? • Time – does your claim preparation take up too much of your time?

Click here to register to attend.

RFG Annual Scottish Conference 2021

24 March 2021 | Webinar

RFG will be holding its Annual Scottish Conference on 24 March from 9.30 am to 4 pm. We are delighted to wel- come Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson MSP, who will deliver our keynote address.

The event will be split into three key parts: the first on ‘Policy for Scottish Rail Freight’; the second on ‘A framework for devel- opment’; and the third on ‘Latest market opportunities’.

Key topics for discussion will include Supporting growth, rail reform, decarbonisation and key market updates.

Confirmed speakers include:

Alex Hynes, Managing Director, Scotland’s Railway, Network Rail Martin Jones, Deputy Director, Access & International at ORR – Office of Rail and Road Keith Fisken, SESTran and Paul Davison, AECOM Shona Clive, Project lead for the Rail Cluster Builder project Neil Sime, Managing Director, Victa Railfreight Chris Swan, Head of Rail, Tarmac We will also have presentations from Forth Ports, PD Stirling/Mossend International Railfreight Terminal, and other RFG members who will outline their current activities and future plans.

Tickets cost only £55 (+ VAT) per person.

Click here to register to attend.

Other forthcoming events:

Please note, all dates stated are provisional. For confirmed dates please contact [email protected]. Everything we do is in line with government guidance.

May/June RFG Summer BBQ 9 September Awards Dinner, Latimer Estate. 19-21 October Multimodal Exhibition and RFG Group meeting at Multimodal. October (TBC) Waterfront Conference. 10 November AGM and Group Meeting. 8 December Xmas Lunch, Royal Lancaster.

17 Guest article - Malcolm Rail

Malcolm Rail celebrates 20 years in rail

By David Turner, Rail Director, Malcolm Logistics.

Malcolm Rail are celebrating 20 years in rail freight, operat- ing their first freight train service on the 14th February 2001. We now operate daily services 364 days of the year, carrying over 30000 containers for a wide range of retailers and man- ufacturers.

Back in 2001 our first train left Grangemouth for the rail terminal at DIRFT. Operated by Direct Rail Services the train carried glass from Alloa to be used for lager and coffee jars.  In 2017 we celebrated our millionth rail lift at DIRFT undertaken The northbound train returned the next day with petfood, pallets and some retail traffic. Operating Rail within the Malcolm busi- for customers Mothercare and Freightliner. This was recognised ness was the idea of Jim Clark, sadly no longer with us. Alongside at the annual Rail Freight Group awards that same year. John Holwell, they were both very passionate and instrumental in  integrating rail into Malcolm Logistics extensive road-based oper- In addition to our current daily anglo-scottish services, we have ations. They focussed on providing the industry robust and flexi- operated routes serving Kirby Thore and Elderslie for dedicated ble rail solutions, which form the basis of what we operate today. customers, and also Scottish domestic services between Elder- slie and Grangemouth to support import and export traffic. The In 2008, Malcolm Rail took over the operation of the rail terminal Elderslie – Grangemouth was only 34 miles each way but proved at DIRFT (Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal), a ven- that rail can work on a short and long-distance service. ture in which Jim and John supported by Andrew and the Board In 2020 we operated our longest ever train, almost 800m long. played an integral part in the team who successfully negotiated  with Prologis to close this deal. The development of Rail terminal This is another milestone in our rail operation, operating both the operations had been a major part in Malcolm Rail’s investment & longest containers and now also the longest intermodal trains. development strategy over the past 15 years. 2021 The Malcolm Group has been actively developing rail-  based freight movements for the last twenty years. In 2014, our rail provider changed from DRS to DB Cargo UK.  This successful partnership has already been extended several During that time, we have moved around 700,000 containers times and has led to our trains being hauled by electric traction, taking 230,000,000 miles off the UK road networks. The cus- including our liveried loco 90024. tomer base has grown significantly with multiple retailers and su- permarkets now transporting goods by rail. Some retailers are The 50’ box was also launched and was a game changer. Her choosing to promote their use of rail in their branding, and with Royal Highness The Princess Royal officially launched Malcolm growing focus on decarbonisation we look to grow our rail opera- Logistics tion going forward. DIRFT has also expanded significantly. The  second phase completed in 2015 and its third phase currently in 50ft Container at the Multimodal Exhibition in Birmingham’s NEC. development. Witnessed by professionals from all areas of the industry Mal- colm Logistics were proud to unveil their newest intermodal in- novation, which was set to revolutionise the way goods would be Continued over the page. moved in the future 18 Mar 2021

Today we not only celebrate the success of these trains not only getting lorries off the road – each train is up to half a mile long, taking up to 80 HGVs from the road network - but in getting goods to and from market efficiently and effectively. The northbound services bring retail products from national distribution centres in the Midlands, the southbound flows are still all about exporting Scotland’s local produce, be that mineral water, food and drink, and chipboard.  The trains are also helping Scotland decarbonise its economy. On average, rail freight makes only 25% of the carbon of HGVs, and where it can use electric haulage, as most of these trains do, the performance is even better. Around 45% of all rail freight in Scotland is electric, far better than the national average which sits around 12%.

Currently Rail Director David Turner, based at DIRFT heads our operation. David started with the Group in 2012 and was promot- ed to Rail Director in 2014. David leads our partnership with Pro- logis maintaining our stakeholder relationships with terminal us- ers at DIRFT – including increasing rail departure performance. David has been responsible for the introduction of new working procedures and staff development which have improved our effi- ciency across the operation.

Our team today has delivered on the spirit of the late Jim Clark. Focussed, and committed in delivery high quality services for our customers. As we look to celebrate our 100th year of the wider business, this is a year for acknowledging our achievements and looking forward to our future.

reinstate direct rail services between Bicester and Bletchley for Transport Secretary launches the first time since 1968.

£794m investment to boost It also includes £34m to rapidly progress plans to reopen the rail links in north and south Northumberland line between Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Ashing- ton, which closed to passengers in 1964 as part of the Beeching A £794m investment package to reopen two important rail cuts. routes closed more than 50 years ago was announced on 23 January by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps. The Transport Secretary has also called on local authorities, MPs and community groups to submit bids for a share of the third The new funding includes £760m for the delivery of the next and final round of the Department for Transport’s Ideas Fund, phase of East West Rail, which will create 1,500 jobs, and designed to encourage proposals to reopen railway lines, servic- es and stations.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “Restoring railways helps put communities back on the map, and this investment forms part of our nationwide effort to build back vital connections and unlock access to jobs, education and housing.

Returning these routes to their former glory, and progressing work to reopen even more lines and stations shows our commit- ment to levelling up journeys across the country as we build back better from the pandemic.”

Simon Blanchflower, Chief Executive Officer at East West Rail- way Company, said: “We are delighted that the government has shown a big commitment to East West Rail and the Oxford-Cam- bridge arc with today’s investment decision. This funding will enable us to get on with the construction work that will connect communities who live on the East West Rail link.”

Click the image left to watch an explainer video on the project. •

19 Mar 2021

Direct Rail Services to Seth Kybird, Chief Executive of NTS, said: “We are creating NTS to become the leading global provider of safe, secure and reliable become part of Nuclear nuclear transport solutions – building on the experience and capabilities of DRS, INS and PNTL to support the NDA’s important Transport Solutions clean-up mission, and deliver great value for our customers in the UK and overseas. This is an exciting opportunity for us to DRS is joining forces with its fellow NDA transport build a vibrant and profitable organisation with an exciting and subsidiaries to create Nuclear Transport Solutions, a single challenging mission of national and global importance.” nuclear transport division launching in April 2021. Chris Connelly, NTS Deputy CEO and Rail Director, said: “NTS It will operate Direct Rail Services (DRS) and Pacific Nuclear brings together a wide variety of knowledge, skills and talent into Transport Ltd (PNTL), who will continue to deliver rail and shipping one organisation. It’s a fantastic opportunity and being part of services for customers, building on decades of experience of it will make DRS stronger, more competitive and able to offer a providing safe, secure and reliable transport solutions. broader range of services to our customers.” •

Remembering Peter Maybury (1951-2020) It is with great sadness that we report the death of former Freightliner Chief Executive, Peter Maybury, on 3rd December following a long struggle with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and finally COVID.

Peter originally joined the railways from Ford to head up the Automotive division of the nascent Channel Tunnel business at Railfreight Distribution in 1994. He was headhunted into Freightliner following privatisation in the role of Portslead Director based out of Felixstowe in 1996. Peter subsequently took on the role of Managing Director of Freightliner Intermodal and joined the main Board where he went on to become Chief Executive from 2009-13 and the Chairman until his retirement in 2015.

Peter was widely respected across the industry and was He was a passionate Spurs fan and also followed the England renowned for his tough approach at the negotiating table. He cricket team around the globe. was, in the words of one former institutional investor, “a class act” and guided the business through the challenges of the global He will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing financial crisis as well as much of its overseas expansion. him as a great colleague and boss but mostly as a dear friend. His family have asked that should anyone have been thinking Away from business, Peter was a keen participant and supporter of flowers, they would prefer to help others via donations to the of football, county and international cricket and golf. Indeed, PSP charity via the link www.stibbards.co.uk and clicking on the he played both cricket and football at a very competitive level donations and obituaries button. • well into his forties as a wicket keeper batsman and goalkeeper. 20 Mar 2021 Assured rating from Gold to Platinum. Through evidence-based HS2 first to secure Platinum assessment, it demonstrated that it had moved beyond ensuring its policies and procedures underpin the diversity and inclusion Standard for equality and strategy, to demonstrating that its ideology is based on diverse diversity talent being included in every aspect of operational performance.

HS2 Ltd has achieved the Clear Assured Platinum Standard HS2 Ltd has also retained its Disability Confident Leader status accreditation. It received the award in recognition of its for another three years. It said it is striving to address the gender commitment to embedding inclusive best practice into all imbalance inherent across the construction and rail engineering elements of its work. sectors and is actively aiming to recruit more disabled workers into roles right across the project. • In less than 10 months, HS2 Ltd has enhanced its Clear

ABP invests in new automotive rail freight services in Southamp- ton

Associated British Ports (ABP) has invested £300,000 in a new rail service at the Port of Southampton. This is the first automotive service to operate in the Western Docks, as ABP expands its rail offer at the port to in- clude both the Eastern and Western Dock locations.

Southampton handles around 900,000 vehicles a year. Together with customer DB Cargo UK, ABP will now move around 600 to 800 new BMW Minis each week by rail.

Alastair Welch, Director, Southampton, said: “We are delighted to welcome this new automo- tive service to the Western Docks for BMW. As the UK’s number one export port for vehicles, we look forward to continuing to expand Southamp- BMW Minis waiting to be discharged at ton’s automotive offer by rail even further in the the Port of Southampton future.” •

• controlled water addition to remove the notorious £9m fund opens to problems caused by leaves on the line • concrete slabs that automatically heat up to prevent icy rail innovators and platforms and passengers slipping • a ‘sound-bending’ wall to minimise the noise of passing inventors trains in urban areas • hydrogen-based steam turbines to drive zero-emission, A new £9m competition to find cutting-edge ideas set low-noise rail freight. to transform the future of the railways has opened, as Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris and Innovate UK To mark the launch, Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris launched the 2021 First of a Kind (FOAK) competition. addressed the Rail Innovation Exhibition and reaffirmed the continued efforts that are being made to drive Focused on developing pioneering technology and innovation within the rail industry and establish new exceptional ideas that can improve journeys for technologies to build the railway of tomorrow. passengers and decarbonise the rail network, FOAK is now entering its fifth round, with a particular focus on Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris MP said: “This country supporting innovations that make the network cleaner, pioneered the railway, and that spirit of innovation and greener and more passenger-friendly. ingenuity has never been more vital as we look to build back better from this pandemic. Our railways will underpin To date, the competition has seen the Department for this country’s economic recovery and help realise our Transport (DfT) and Innovate UK invest around £25 ambitions of a carbon-neutral future. Through initiatives million to develop projects including: HydroFLEX – the like the First of a Kind competition, we are investing today first mainline testing of a hydrogen train to build the railway of tomorrow.” • • inspection drones capable of rapidly assessing the safety of rail infrastructure 21

Mar 2021 Walsh and Port of Tilbury announce major investment & expansion of aggregates supply business

Walsh has signed a 20-year deal with the Port of Tilbury to help to meet the capital’s demand for construction materials in the most sustainable way.

The deal enables Walsh to create two new freight hubs at the port – the first will be a logistics terminal with aggregates processing plant and the second will be a rail-linked freight facility. Transporting aggregates by river and rail significantly reduces road miles and traffic congestion and represents a fraction of the carbon emissions of road haulage. 6F5 recycled aggregate.

Walsh will bring 400,000 tonnes of secondary aggregate into Joe Gifford, Managing Director of Walsh said: “We’re delighted Tilbury by sea and river each year from china clay producer with this deal which further extends our river, rail and road Imerys in Cornwall. This material – known as Cornish Granite – network across the South East. It also puts Walsh in a unique is a by-product of the china clay industry and is rated as one of position to meet London’s need for construction materials in the the most sustainable aggregates available in the UK. Combined most sustainable way possible. With aggregate recycling at its with transportation by marine freight, stent achieves a greener maximum in the capital – a success story we’re also proud to be supply chain for built development in London and the South East. part of – our new partnership with the Port of Tilbury means we can bring in Cornish Granite that would otherwise be discarded Walsh and the Port of Tilbury have worked together for decades and turn it into high-quality products to support London’s and share a goal to create more sustainable supply chain solutions development and regeneration.” for customers, particularly in the construction industry, by using the River Thames and expansion of rail freight. Both businesses Mark Faraway, Senior Commercial Manager from The Port of are investing significantly in these two new operations at the port. Tilbury said: “Our rapidly expanding bulks business at the Port of Tilbury provides the vital elements to ensure an efficient Walsh will move into 34 Berth at the port in March 2021 and and greener supply chain for our customers. We have long will install a new multimillion pound processing plant to wash relationship with Walsh and we are happy that we can continue and grade the aggregate for supply to their customers across this for the next two decades.” • the South East. Products include rock armour stone, type 1 sub- base, single sized granite, coarse sand, fine mortar sand and

will provide a more efficient weed control program for years GBRf unveil partnership to to come. Aiming for a safer rail industry for all should be a transform railways weed priority. This investment from Bayer into the collaboration will bring a new level of scientific expertise and knowledge to the control maintenance rail industry and will help to drive forward weed control and safety for future years. The first train will be introduced and in GB Railfreight (GBRf) has started a landmark cooperation service on UK railways from May 2021, with the second and with Bayer Environmental Science, Network Rail, and third train planned for use in April 2022.” a number of start-up companies, which will transform essential weed control maintenance on the UK’s Alan Morris, Bayer Environmental Science UK country railways. head added: “Weeds can cause contamination of valuable equipment and lead to a range of health and safety issues Three new Smart Weed System trains will commence for both workers and passengers. This technology is not only service later this spring. By detecting the weeds using an innovation for the rail industry but weed control globally, cameras mounted on the trains, only the most appropriate so we’re delighted to be involved in this collaboration with herbicide will be use, improving the environmental footprint. key members of the rail industry.” The data generated will be uploaded to a cloud database using GPS software, which will enable weed control to be monitored and reported 24/7 from a central point. The GPS tracking system will also automatically shut off spray nozzles when the train approaches a ‘Non-Treatment Zone’, such as a watercourse or bridge, a move which further enhances the environmental impact by adding a second layer of protection for the operators.

Mark Wyborn, Head of Strategic Development at GB Railfreight, said: “The higher efficiency of the three new trains combined with the modern technology and asset life 23 Mar 2021

oxide (NOx) emissions by as much as 90%. DB Cargo UK and Tata Logistic Operations Manager, Gareth Lewis at Tata Steel, said: “The success of this trial is recognition of our goal for zero CO2 Steel complete HVO trials logistics. Our close working relationship with DB Cargo UK has been instrumental in achieving this important milestone. on Class 60 locomotive “We continue to work with all our external stakeholders to look Tata Steel and DB Cargo UK have successfully trialled the for opportunities which further reduce Tata Steel’s environmental use of 100% renewable Hydro-treated Vegetable Oil (HVO) impact in all aspects of our logistical operations.” in a Class 60 locomotive transporting product from Wales to the West Midlands. DB Cargo UK’s Head of Sales, Roger Neary, said: “This is another significant milestone in DB Cargo UK’s plan to offer all The ‘carbon-busting’ locomotive carrying some 2500 tonnes our customers a more environmentally-friendly alternative to of steel coil was the first Class 60 powered purely by the traditional red diesel and help them reduce carbon in their end- environmentally friendly fuel to travel on the mainline UK rail to-end supply chain. Tata Steel’s service was the ideal one to network. trial it on as they, like us, are continually looking for new and innovative ways to reduce their carbon footprint and impact on The train ran from Tata Steel’s steel works in Margam, Port the environment. Talbot, to its terminal in Round Oak in Brierley Hill in the West Midlands. HVO – Hydro-treated Vegetable Oil – is marketed as “We’ve now proved that HVO fuel can be used in our Class 60, ‘one of the world’s purest and greenest fuels.’ 66 and 67 locomotives with negligible impact on power output, which is critical considering the volume of bulk materials we The fossil-free, FAME-free fuel is synthetically made through transport like steel and aggregates,” he added. • the hydro-treatment process from vegetable oils or animal fats which can reduce harmful carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen

recent years. of years and our partnership has been GBRf extends con- fruitful from the very start. Given the un- Over the course of the last five years, certain economic picture we are facing at tract with GRS Rail the contract has evolved to serve new this time, it is more important than ever to Services supply points, such as Swinden Quarry, continue with the work we have done so North Yorkshire, and Tunstead Quarry, successfully throughout 2020 and today’s GB Railfreight (GBRf) has signed a Derbyshire, and feed new railheads in contract extension will ensure we keep the five-year deal with GRS Rail Services, Luton and Northampton. GBRf and GRS economy moving in the right direction as a joint venture between Tarmac and ag- Rail Services have also moved over 1.8 we emerge from the pandemic.” gregates trading company GRS , in an million tonnes of aggregates across the extension to its existing contract. UK to support the construction industry Jon Fisher, CEO at GRS said: “Our part- and prevented almost 100,000 lorry loads nership with GB Railfreight has gone from The new GRS Rail Services contract from using our roads. The announcement strength to strength, allowing us to meet builds on a partnership between the two today of this contract renewal signals the the construction industry’s demand for businesses that goes back to 2016, pri- resilience of a longstanding and fruitful re- aggregates with the lowest possible car- marily supplying rail haulage services lationship between GBRf and GRS. bon footprint and in the most efficient way between the UK’s largest granite quar- possible. ry, Mountsorrel Quarry in Leicestershire, This partnership will allow for the oper- operated by Tarmac, and a major aggre- ation of services from the Peak District “Rail freight produces a fraction of the gates supply depot at Wellingborough, to terminals at Wellingborough, Luton, carbon and particulate emissions of road Northamptonshire operated by GRS. The Northampton and Peterborough, as well haulage, and although lorries are still Wellingborough depot was developed be- as the redevelopment of Wellingborough needed for local distribution, thanks to GB tween Network Rail, GB Railfreight, Tar- Aggregates Depot. Railfreight we can cover most of the jour- mac and GRS to support major infrastruc- John Smith, MD at GBRf, said: “I am ab- ney from aggregates source quarries to ture projects such as the redevelopment solutely delighted to be unveiling this con- construction site by rail. We’re looking for- of the A14 in Cambridgeshire, one of the tract extension with GRS Rail Services. ward to developing our partnership over country’s biggest highways schemes in We have worked with GRS for a number the years ahead.” • 24 Mar 2021 GBRf HR Manager recognised for Covid efforts

GBRf’s HR Manager Gemma Platt was recently named winner of the Richard Hope Award at this year’s Rail Business Awards.

Her drive in setting up a mental health and wellbeing programme has helped sustain the morale of her colleagues during the Covid-19 crisis. The project involved the creation, training and appointment of ‘wellbeing champions’. These were volunteers from within the business who were trained by Suffolk MIND and act as support and listening ears to staff should they need to talk to someone in confidence.

The Champions work has also led to the launch of a Mental Health support App and creation of other virtual entertainment activities aimed at improving overall wellbeing and allowing people to stay connected on a more social level during the pandemic. The removed any stigma that may have existed around this very real timing of the launch during the pandemic has meant GBRf had topic. Gemma has dedicated herself to encouraging awareness support available to staff when they needed it most. of wellbeing and mental health, and I couldn’t be prouder of her.” Gemma was motivated to create the programme off the back of her own tragedy, after suddenly losing her husband in 2019, Gemma said: “It is such an honour to win this award and I which is testament to her dedication, commitment and character. want to thank the rest of the Wellbeing Champions at GBRf for making the Mental Health project the success it become. I GBRf MD John Smith said: “Gemma has changed the focus couldn’t have done this without your passion and commitment. of wellbeing within our company, and by using and drawing on I look forward to working with this group to continue to help her own personal adversity for the benefit of others, she has normalise conversation around mental health and provide the best support possible to our staff.” •

Railway Hero recognised for helping keep freight moving during Covid-19

Network Rail worker Rory Higgins, who is based in York, has been recognised as a Railway Hero, following his work to keep freight services moving throughout the pandemic.

When Covid-19 hit and the spotlight was on freight services, Rory and his team prioritised essential services to make sure that food could continue to fill the shelves in supermarkets, enough fuel could reach power stations and medical supplies could be transported across the country. There were also more unusual demands, including thermometers, so people could take their temperatures at home, as well as glass bottles for the medical industry. This meant it was crucial to make sure enough sand was transported for the ongoing production of glass. Photo by Charlotte Graham. As a Route Freight Manager, Rory works closely with freight train Network Rail during these challenging times. I’m really focussed operators to make sure key supplies get to wherever they are on trying to get more freight off the road and onto the railway to needed. Rory is one of the first six ‘Railway Heroes’ to star in the meet future demand and help to protect the environment. Once National Railway Museum’s online exhibition, which highlights lockdown restrictions are lifted, I can’t wait to see the exhibition the vital role of railway workers during the pandemic. at the National Railway Museum and celebrate the work of those across the wider rail industry.” The exhibition will feature 16 portrait photographs of key workers from across the railway industry, taken by renowned photographer Judith McNicol, Director of the National Railway Museum, Charlotte Graham. Once national lockdown restrictions are lifted, said: “This exhibition is an opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to the the exhibition featuring all 16 workers will open at the National thousands of railway key workers who have kept the country Railway Museum in York and Locomotion in Shildon, County going over the last year. From delivering essential supplies and Durham. transporting NHS workers, to selfless volunteering, the stories featured in the exhibition are an inspiration and fully deserving of Rory said: “At the start of the pandemic, passenger numbers wider recognition.” dropped overnight and freight, which usually fits around everything else and continues in the background, was more Click here to see the first six profiles from the exhibition. • important than ever. It’s heartening to be part of a great team at 25

Mar 2021 trains at present run via Kildare where a Athlone and Portarlington. This stretch Ireland – Western reversal is required which causes serious of line is virtually operating to capacity at congestion on the Dublin to Cork main line, present with all passenger trains between Rail Corridor and delaying both Inter City and local services. Dublin and Galway / Westport using the In addition to the existing pulpwood trains, track as well as the IWT and Coillte freight freight trains there are presently active bids from both trains. To operate any more services IWT and XPO Logistics to commence over this line will require considerable By Tim Casterton operation of intermodal services between expenditure on a dynamic passing loop, Ballina and Waterford Belview Port – both however opening the WRC would reduce The campaign for the reopening of companies being in discussion with Irish freight services on the line releasing the Western Rail Corridor (Stages 2 Rail. Even if only one of these services around 6 train paths per week for other and 3) between Athenry, Tuam and commences, that would be an additional passenger or freight trains on the Dublin Claremorris in Ireland have been rather 100 trains per year over the WRC – a axis. The Port of Galway are also looking stunned by the publication of the report considerable lot more if they operate more to expand commercial activities and ‘Western Rail Corridor, Financial and than once weekly which could be a distinct include a rail freight terminal in their plans economic appraisal, June 2020’ due to possibility. which could, if developed, also add further it not picking up the true advantages freight services to the route. for freight traffic. The E-Y report states that the Waterford Belview Port is not available for rail The E-Y Report grossly over estimates As to why the report, commissioned by freight at present – however this is a reopening costs of the WRC by some Irish Rail (using E-Y to research it), failed total misnomer as there are weekly steel €168.8m. This ‘over pricing is arrived at to take account of not only the 150 pulp carrying trains that operates from the port simply by stripping out equipment and wood trains per year (and 150 balancing on Saturday mornings. The Transport infrastructure that are not required such workings) that would use the route but Minister is also backing the reopening as a new passenger train fleet which is not also the fact that two companies are of the freight branch between Limerick required, double tracking on the Dublin currently in discussion with Irish Rail to and Foynes Port and that would likely be – Galway main line which is a separate operate intermodal trains over the axis is the source of more freight trains on the railway capacity enhancement project and anyone’s guess! Western Rail Corridor (WRC). With the more passing places than are required on growing post Brexit trend for Irish freight to the WRC which require expensive track The E-Y Report rather glosses over now look to avoid the UK ‘land bridge’ and work (track also being over specified the existing freight services that travel seek direct services to mainland Europe, in the Report where passing loops at between Mayo (Westport and Ballina) there is a strong likelihood that intermodal stations were all trains stop being costed and Waterford freight yard. The pulpwood traffic will grow further. at 90m.p.h. infrastructure etc). The rail trains operated by Iarnród Éireann (IÉ) for lobby group ‘West on Track’ has estimated Coillte (the forestry company) operate on The present route for all 900 freight trains that the cost for re-opening (including a average three times per week at present. per year that currently operate between 30% contingency) would be no more than That is 150 trains in each direction Mayo and either Waterford or Dublin €130m. • annually to and from Waterford. These utilizes the single track railway between

Supplying excellent marketing, communications and public relations support to the rail freight sector.

www.railfreightpr.com Mar 2021 more likely companies are to transport their Germany to fund goods by rail. With a siding right in front of the door or a loading station nearby, the decision is News in Brief private rail easier. That is why we support private invest- ments, promote the construction of transship- • Alstom is to equip 13 connections to ment stations and accelerate planning. In this freight DB Cargo locos way, we are improving companies’ access to with the ETCS signalling encourage rail rail and getting goods off the road.” The BMVI’s technology standard goal is to increase the share of freight transport (ETCS Baseline 3 freight by rail to at least 25 percent by 2030. Release 2) for trans- European freight traffic By Esther Geertz, RailTech.com Deutsche Bahn is pleased with the new meas- between Germany, ures. Sigrid Nikutta from the DB Executive Denmark and Sweden. The German government is increasing the Board for Freight Transport: “Whether com- funds for private investments in rail con- panies or municipalities who want to start with • Lineas has launched a nections to encourage shipping goods by a siding for a workshop or industrial park: it is new regular service for rail. now much easier for everyone to get started intermodal loads between with climate-friendly rail logistics. We at DB are the Port of Moerdijk in the From 2021 there will be E34m available, which happy to advise all customers on how a siding Netherlands, and Antwerp is more than double compared to the previous can get rolling as quickly as possible.” in Belgium. The freight year. The goal is to increase the share of freight State funds for private investments. transport by rail to at least 25 percent by 2030. train runs three times per week and increases the With a federal funding programme from March frequency of transport The Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital 1, 2021, up to 50 percent of the costs for new between Rotterdam and Infrastructure (BMVI) is stepping up its meas- and expansion, reactivation and maintenance Antwerp to eight round ures to provide companies with better access of existing connections will be covered. The trips per week. to the rail network, giving them more incentives funds from the previous year will be more than to ship their goods and products on the envi- doubled to 34 million euros, which are availa- ronmentally friendly rail. Earlier this year, An- ble from 2021. Later on, from 2024, the funds • Vega International and gela Merkel said that ‘only with rail the climate will be further increased to 49 million euros. VTG have developed goals can be achieved’, and a big part of this The total volume of the programme consists of a solution that enables is moving goods from the road to the railways. 200 million euros for five years. • all semitrailers to be handled by crane. Easier route to rail Reprinted from RailTech.com. Click here to Successful test runs of Federal Minister of Transport Andreas Scheuer: read the full article. the new system were “The shorter and easier the route to the rail, the completed in Tilburg, the Netherlands, where VTG than 260 metric tons of CO2 footprint and enabling our customer and terminal InstaFreight to per year. clients to become more envi- operator GVT piloted transport Shell ronmentally friendly. I strongly VEGA’s roadrailLink (r2L) Philipp Ortwein, Co-Founder believe that green logistics handling and transport lubricants with & Managing Director at Insta- is the future. Anything else technology and has Freight. said: “Sustainability is just no longer justifiable now commissioned it for less CO2 is part of our DNA. Since day considering climate change. operational use. InstaFreight is to handle the one, we have used technolo- We are glad that Shell thinks movement of Shell lubricants gy to optimize the utilization alike and pushes for green • Transfesa Logistics from Germany to warehouses of trucks and minimize empty logistics solutions too.” • has appointed Anne across Europe, with a goal of runs. By offering multimodal Sophie Petit as its new cutting carbon emissions by transport, we go one step Chief Financial Officer. up to half, a saving of more further in reducing the carbon With experience in team management on an international scale, she has held positions linked Contact the RFG Team: to control and financial management in Spain and • Maggie Simpson OBE, Director-General, 07737 007 957 other countries. • Phillippa O’Shea, Administration Manager, 07931 763 081 • Yvonne Mulder, Project Manager, 07887 767 666 • The Transwaggon • James Falkner, Media Officer, 07753 271 110 Group is pressing ahead • Robin Smith, Welsh Representative, 07968 488 905 with its fleet digitalization • Mike Hogg, North of England Representative, 07833 402 804 by equipping its fleet of 13,500 freight wagons RFG News is published by the Rail Freight Group, 7 Bury Place, London, WC1A. Tel: 020 3116 with SAVVY® Telematic 0007 [email protected]. www.rfg.org.uk. RFG welcomes comments, letters and short articles. Systems devices. Over the Opinions expressed in these articles are of the author only. RFG News is published primarily for next three years, another online distribution but we will continue to send hard copies to those readers who request them. RFG does not endorse the services of its advertisers. 7,000 SAVVY® CargoTrac ExR MI telematics units will also be installed,

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