126 November 2017 newsHelping ensure a sustainable future for UK rail freight www.rfg.org.uk of rail upgrade gets go-ahead £60m line project will allow up to 47 trains per day P.3 The latest enhancements to Hutchison we look forward to that figure increasing signifi- DB Cargo works with Port of Felixstowe’s rail connections have cantly in future.” wagon specialists to been given the green light by the Secretary of State for Transport and will see a signifi- Freightliner’s UK Managing Director, Adam convert coal hoppers cant upgrade of the branch line. Cunliffe, added: “We are delighted that the Port of Felixstowe’s improvement plans have been The £60.4m scheme, jointly funded by Network given the go-ahead, which will create much Rail and Hutchison Ports, will allow up to 47 needed additional rail freight capacity at the freight trains to run per day in each direction be- port. As well as satisfying growing customer tween and Felixstowe. demand, the environmental benefits of moving freight by rail are significant, and we look for- Clemence Cheng, Executive Director Hutchison ward to operating increased services once the Ports and CEO of the Port of Felixstowe, said: enhanced rail connections are complete.” “Rail is an increasingly important differentiator as shipping lines and cargo owners look to re- John Smith, Managing Director of GB Rail- P.6 move carbon from their supply chains. The Port freight, went on to say: “Great news, GB Rail- AV Dawson scoops of Felixstowe already has the widest choice of freight see this as a huge milestone in the de- British Steel award rail services in the UK with 33 daily services to velopment of a fit for purpose UK intermodal rail 17 different inland destinations. freight network. The Felixstowe Branch Line is part of a key strategic freight route through to “This scheme complements the investment we the Midlands and Northwest. This new capacity have made in rail capacity at the port and will al- connecting the Port of Felixstowe will result in low us to offer an even greater range of sustain- increased modal shift and radically reduce the able distribution options to our customers. Over impact of road vehicles on our environment and 100 million HGV miles per year are already public health.” saved by using rail freight from Felixstowe and Continued on page 4.

P.7 RFG backs new rail campaign

P.8 Knowsley yard throws RFG’s Autumn Group its doors open to the Meeting report public Article on page 9 Executive Director’s Update: Maggie Simpson email your comments to [email protected]

through high volume construction wagons which allow each Private train to convey more product. In some cases, ports and other organisations have made contributions to the cost of upgrad- investment is ing the Network Rail infrastructure as part of a wider scheme. As we move into the next control period, you can expect to see more pressure to achieve other contributions as part of delivering for the case for enhancements.

rail freight There are however some limits to how far this can go. Those By Maggie Simpson, RFG Executive Director who consign their freight by rail, or otherwise rely on rail as part of their distribution will have some incentive to invest. After our recent Autumn Group meeting, many of us Yet at the same time they will also use road freight and are were lucky enough to enjoy a tour of the new East Mid- not generally expected to contribute to road upgrades ex- lands Gateway Strategic Rail Freight Interchange which cept for immediate access to their sites. There can also be started construction earlier this year. There is nothing competitive issues, if some facilities are expected to contrib- like seeing a new development for real, and the site is al- ute where others are not. For those investing, there are also ready impressive, with significant earthworks underway questions over how they secure the expected outcomes for including levelling the area where the rail terminal will their business. This is not necessarily in a commercial re- sit. The facility is expected to be operational by 2019, in- turn, but if the project is expected to deliver additional train cluding warehouse construction, and major road works. paths for example, what is the process by which they can be assured? As is so often the case, the rail works will be some of the last elements to complete, with the connection planned to The Department for Transport will need to be considering be installed in the first part of 2019. It is a familiar story that, these and other questions as they work towards their new despite good co-operation from Network Rail, the GRIP pro- approach to enhancements, which will apply from the start cess and associated works can take as long as it does to of the next control period. The good news is that it seems construct the entire rest of the interchange! It is to be hoped increasingly likely that those plans will include some addi- that the changes which were promised on the back of the tional funding for rail freight, although we are yet to see any Hansford Review of contestability in rail projects will start to details, which may allow progress on some of the upgrades bear fruit in the coming months, to help expedite this and necessary on key corridors. This, if it is confirmed, will give other schemes. confidence to the market that Government remains commit- ted to rail freight, supporting their own investment plans. For Government and Network Rail securing third party in- vestment like this is increasingly important. Rail freight has You can read more about our event on page 9, and as al- a good story to tell here, with freight operators, customers, ways, the news reports in this edition of RFG News also ports, terminals and rolling stock companies continuing to highlight the continued investment being made in our sector. invest for growth and to improve efficiency, for example I hope you enjoy reading it. •

grant, with the remainder coming from the environment and our continued Transport Minister a combination of track access charg- investment in the freight network rec- es and income from other sources, ognises this. unveils £48bn for such as Network Rail’s property port- Network Rail in folio. “Given the need to spend public money wisely and to incentivise the Control Period 6 He added: “We have some of the industry to do so, I believe the fund- most intensively used railways in Eu- ing envelope published is stretching On 12 October, the Secretary of rope, and this investment focuses on yet achievable. I will continue to push State for Transport unveiled the the essential work needed to ensure Network Rail to improve its effec- funds available for control period their safety and reliability, including tiveness and efficiency. In particular 6, which covers 2019 to 2024. He funding to support a significant in- I support an ambitious approach to said the previously published high crease in renewals activity compared route devolution, so that Network Rail level output specification made to the current period, and increased is more focused on its customers. I clear that the government is de- maintenance spend to allow Network will also modernise the government’s termined that the railway becomes Rail to meet the challenges of a bus- oversight and assurance arrange- more focused on the operation, ier network.” ments for Network Rail to properly maintenance and renewal of the reflect its public sector status.” railway – areas which are crucial to The SoFA includes funding for con- delivering a more reliable railway. tinued investment in improvements He concluded by saying that he was to both the accessibility of the railway taking steps to ensure the money will He said: “At this stage we expect and the rail freight network. be spent more effectively and that the around £47.9bn to be spent on the issues with delivery in CP5 would not railway across control period 6. Of He said: “The government has recog- be repeated. • this, we expect up to £34.7bn to be nised the crucial role that rail freight provided directly via government plays in supporting the economy and

2 RFG News Nov 2017

for freight services, based on com- modities carried. It’s also setting News in brief: Consultation on out initial views on which freight market Eurotunnel reported a segments appear to be able to bear infra- • fixed network costs 6% rise in rail freight traf- structure cost charges in CP6. This includes fic in the third quarter of As part of the 2018 periodic review proposing to allow Network Rail to continue 2017. Some 487 trains (PR18) of Network Rail, the Office of Rail levying infrastructure cost charges on trains carrying 308,397 tonnes and Road is consulting on its approach carrying coal for the electricity supply indus- ran between 1 July to to calculating the charges operators pay try (ESI coal), spent nuclear fuel and iron ore. 30 Sep. Revenues from to access the rail network. It is proposing to also define trains carrying Europorte amounted to biomass for the electricity supply industry €29m, up 3%, while total It said: “Access charges are important as (ESI biomass) as a market segment able Group revenues rose to they affect the decisions that Network Rail, to bear infrastructure cost charges in CP6. train operators and funders make about use €286.4m, an increase of 3% compared to the same of the rail network. They play an important The closing date for the consultation is 30 period in 2016. In the first role in improving outcomes for passengers, November. Click here for full details. RFG nine months of 2017, the freight customers and taxpayers.” will be responding to the consultation so number of rail freight trains please look out for our response shortly. • ORR will be looking at proposing to retain the travelling through the existing approach to market segmentation Channel Tunnel increased strongly to 1,530 trains, up from 1,327 in 2016.

• A new Vehicle Export New hopper trials could offer old coal Terminal which is part of a £50m investment by ABP wagons a new life in aggregates in the Port of Southamp- ton, has been officially DB Cargo UK is working with The expertly engineered con- years and DB Cargo UK had a opened by the Minister Axiom Rail and WH Davis to versions are being carried out at large fleet of HTA coal hopper of State for International convert 110 HTA coal hoppers both the Axiom Rail site in Stoke wagons. To find a future use Trade, the Rt Hon Greg into new state-of-the-art HRA and the WH Davis site in Mans- for our assets in an alternative Hands MP. aggregate hoppers. field following the conclusion of market, our production team at a successful five month trial of DB Cargo UK worked in collab- Maritime Transport has During the conversion one of wagon 41 70 6723 001-7. The oration with Axiom Rail and WH • again supported the Roy- the coal hopper bays is re- prototype HRA wagon ran in Davis to find a solution to con- al British Legion’s Poppy moved, reducing the length of full service carrying aggregates vert these wagons to class lead- Appeal. For the third con- the wagon by 20% of its orig- from Peak Forest to Salford ing aggregate hoppers. secutive year, staff spent inal size from 17.7m to 14.3m. Hope Street. the weekend of the 28 Despite the reduction in length, “We are extremely proud of the and 29 October fixing over the gross weight each wagon DB Cargo UK has commit- outcome, the new HRA aggre- 1,100 poppies to their en- can carry remains the same at ted to re-engineering an initial gate wagons will be used up tire fleet. Maritime’s icon- 101.6 tonnes. This allows more 110 wagons and plans to have and down the country to trans- ic blue and white livery wagons to be transported per them in full service by Q3 2018. port aggregates on behalf of our displayed the symbolic train, increasing the potential Jonathan Lowden, Head of Roll- customers. They provide an ef- red poppy for the entire payload tonnage of the train by ing Stock at DB Cargo UK, said: ficient solution too by increasing period of remembrance, 447 tonnes for the same length “As we all know, the demand the tonnage of product moved a decision that is whole (based on a 22 HTA wagon set for coal transportation has de- per train.” • heartedly supported by and a 27 HRA wagon set). creased significantly in recent the company as a number of their staff are ex-ser- vice men and women.

• Carillion has signed a contract with Network Rail to upgrade the existing track and infrastructure on the route from to Corby. The contract is expected to generate revenues for the Group of £62m over the next two and a half years.

3 Continued from front page. beyond as part of our Railway Upgrade Plan. We’re supporting the growth of the UK economy by enabling more goods to be Hans-Georg Werner, CEO at DB Cargo UK, said: “DB Cargo UK transported on the railway and reducing the number of lorries on are pleased that these improvement plans have been given the the road. The work will also create a safer and more reliable rail- green light. This much needed additional rail freight capacity will way for passengers travelling between Ipswich and Felixstowe.” allow for more competition which is good for the Port of Felix- stowe and good for all rail freight customers.” Network Rail is delivering the project which will enable more goods to be transported by rail, supporting the growth of the UK Meliha Duymaz, Network Rail’s Route Managing Director for economy, as part of its Railway Upgrade Plan. In the coming Anglia, concluded by saying: “We’re improving the Felixstowe months, engineers will start clearing vegetation in preparation for branch line to provide a step change for rail freight in and building the second track. •

data analysis can provide more robust The core Midland Main Line route is Competition information, offer operational savings dominated by construction services for Network Rail and the operators, and from the East Midlands quarries clus- launched into ultimately improve the experience of rail ter, whilst the Hope Valley sees similar improving rail customers. trains from the Peak District. These services deliver around 10m tonnes through data Dominic Medway, Operational Perfor- per annum of stone and cement into mance and Analysis Manager, Network the construction industry and industri- RSSB has launched a call for re- Rail, said: “The rail industry is data-rich, al process across the UK particularly, search to improve service reliability, but we can at times struggle to get the though not exclusively, in London and capacity and punctuality in the rail best value from this data to drive im- the south east. Click here to download industry using data-driven solutions. provements in train performance and the response in full. • inform our investment decisions. This The competition, Data Sandbox: RSSB initiative offers the opportunity to Improving Network Performance, build relationships outside of the railway Mayor of London launched via the Rail Research UK As- and introduce new ways of thinking to sociation (RRUKA), is open to academ- address our challenges. • Transport Strategy ic-led consortia, who are encouraged to work with industry partners to develop RFG has responded to the draft innovative solutions to key network per- East Midlands Mayor’s Transport Strategy, an im- formance challenges. portant document in planning how rail franchise the transport network should be The feasibility studies funded through developed to better meet the city’s this call will look at how industry data consultation needs into the future. can be used and analysed to improve RFG was pleased to respond to the Overall, RFG supports the aims of the network operational performance, with DfT’s consultation on the East Mid- strategy and its long-term approach to the aim of developing tools that can lands Rail Franchise. The East Mid- setting a framework for growth. Click support and optimise performance lands franchise is extensive, and here to download the response in full. management. This will allow reporting • throughout its operations it shares processes to be streamlined so that routes with rail freight services.

4 the current lidded hopper wagon’s ca- ment following the start of our partnership GBRf works to pacity of 53 tonnes. with Lynemouth earlier this year. It demon- strates GBRf’s commitment to providing enhance payload The new wagons will run in two sets of 24 the best levels of customer service and wagons, delivering 1,680 tonnes of bio- the company’s desire to ensure the most for biomass mass per train, are auto-loading and dis- efficient fleet of rolling stock is available. charging, and will be delivered at the end customers of November 2017 and in January 2018. This investment will also enable GBRf to GBRf previously ran coal services to Ly- carry more biomass to Lynemouth, reduc- Following the signing of a new deal nemouth when it was owned by RWEST. ing its carbon footprint and the emissions with Lynemouth Power, GB Railfreight The last coal train into the station was of the whole of the UK as well. This part- (GBRf) has announced that it will be April 2015. nership is just one way in which GBRf, leasing 50 newly built, lidded biomass and the whole rail freight sector, is contrib- wagons from Nacco. These wagons John Smith, MD of GBRf, said: “We are uting to the UK hitting its climate change will provide a more efficient service, delighted to be able to make this invest- commitments.” • with a payload of 70 tonnes instead of

New Government envoy for “That’s why I’m delighted that Stephen Metcalfe has accept- ed the role of Government Envoy for the Year of Engineer- the Year of Engineering ing. This year-long campaign is our opportunity to encourage young people from all backgrounds to see the creativity, op- appointed portunity and value of engineering. I know our new envoy will bring knowledge, experience and commitment to the role, Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling has wel- engaging with government colleagues and industry to en- comed the appointment of Stephen Metcalfe MP as the sure that the campaign reaches young people, their parents new Government Envoy for the Year of Engineering – and their teachers in all parts of the UK.” the campaign that will see government join forces with industry to give thousands of young people direct and Stephen Metcalfe MP said: “When I was asked to take on inspiring experiences of engineering throughout 2018. this important role I had no hesitation in accepting. Growing the interest in, and awareness of engineering and careers Formerly Chairman of the Science and Technology Select within the sector is vital to inspiring the next generation of Committee, Metcalfe will act as an advisor for the campaign, engineers and ensuring our future economic success. engaging with industry and government on tackling the en- gineering skills gap and widening the pool of young people “Engineering has the ability to tackle some of the great chal- who enter the profession. The industry is facing a shortfall of lenges the country and the world faces while also providing 20,000 engineering graduates a year and a lack of diversity well paid and rewarding careers. I hope our combined efforts – the workforce is 91% male and 94% white. in 2018 will help us engineer a better, brighter future for all. The Year of Engineering launches in January 2018. Through- Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling said: “Engi- out the year the government will work with hundreds of in- neering is one of the most productive sectors in our economy, dustry partners to bring young people, their parents and their but a lack of graduates entering the profession is damaging teachers face to face with engineering activities, events and growth. With major investment being made in infrastructure role models.” • and new technologies that aim to improve the way we travel, work and live, it’s crucial to the nation’s success that more people join the profession.

5 RFG News Nov 2017

people for 150 years and boosting eco- site is also expected to import an addi- nomic growth by bringing tourists to the tional annual volume of 20,000 Citroen C3 Barmouth Bridge area. We are working closely with Cadw Picasso units from late 2017. and Gwynedd Council on our plans to re- celebrates 150th furbish the viaduct to secure its long-term Richard Graves, Regional General Man- future, so that it can continue to play a cru- ager, FVL South West at GEFCO UK anniversary cial role for the local economy for many said: “With business at the Portbury fa- years to come.” • cility thriving due to increased imports DB Cargo UK recently arranged for a and the site reaching full capacity, we special rail service to travel over the identified an urgent need to expand to historic Barmouth Bridge viaduct, cel- Gefco opens up accommodate further growth and di- ebrating its 150th year in use. versify its service. With these enhance- rail access at ments, we have quadrupled the size of Barmouth Bridge runs over the River the team employed here and doubled the Mawddach estuary on the coast of Cardi- Portbury site’s turnover in the last two years, and gan Bay, Wales and was first opened in this project means we are well-placed 1867. The single track, largely wooden vi- Gefco UK has grown its staff by four- to continue to handle future growth.” • aduct is a grade two listed structure and fold at its Portbury site and increased one of the longest timber viaducts still in turnover by 100% following the suc- regular use in Britain. It stretches a stag- cessful completion of an extensive Eurotunnel cuts gering 800 yards and is supported by 113 overhaul project to modernise facilities wooden trestles. and enhance the level of technical ser- carbon footprint vices provided to customers. DB Cargo UK ran Riviera Trains Mark 1 Eurotunnel Group has retained its Car- carriages on a return journey from Shrews- The upgrades include expansion to a 40- bon Trust Standard certification for its bury to Pwllheli, travelling along the whole acre site and the development of a suite Fixed Link, following work to reduce of the Cambrian Coast Line and over Bar- of technical services to support increased its carbon footprint between 2015 and mouth Bridge. The service was arranged customer demand. The comprehensive 2016. in collaboration with Arriva Trains Wales, new facilities have enabled the business Pathfinder Tours and Network Rail. to provide a wider range of services includ- The Fixed Link had to satisfy a number of ing increased storage capacity, access to criteria and reach a series of objectives, Andy Thomas, Route Managing Director rail services, moving vehicles in efficient including the reduction of carbon footprint for Network Rail in Wales, said: “Barmouth and environmentally friendly methods, ve- by more than 7.3%, a goal which Euro- viaduct is one of the most iconic struc- hicle enhancement capabilities, and direct tunnel out-performed with a reduction of tures in the whole of Wales, connecting dealer delivery services. The expanded almost 9%. •

RFG Member AV Dawson has been recognised by British Steel for its com- mitment to Health & Safety. The Mid- dlesbrough-based business, which operates an on-site logistics service for British Steel at its Lackenby and Skinnin- grove sites, was presented with the 2017 award for Health & Safety Excellence. RFG backs new rail The four commitments for change are: • Strengthen the railway’s contribution to the economy, keep- campaign ing running costs in the black, freeing up taxpayers’ money • Increase customer satisfaction by improving the railway to RFG is supporting the new ‘In Partnership for Britain’s remain the top-rated major railway in Europe Prosperity’ campaign that seeks to bring together op- • Boost local communities through localised decision making erators with Network Rail and rail suppliers in a single, and investment long-term plan. • Create more jobs, increase diversity and provide our em- ployees with rewarding careers. Launched by the Rail Delivery Group, the plan sets out how Britain’s public and private ‘partnership railway’ will secure Speaking at the launch event Paul Plummer, CEO of the Rail almost £85bn of additional economic benefits to the country Delivery Group (RDG) said:“As we all know, the number of and enable further improvements. It is supported by busi- passengers has doubled in the last 20 years and it’s not just ness and passenger groups and makes four commitments people that we carry it is also materials, food and consumer for change to improve and deliver for the economy, custom- goods. Rail freight has a key role to play in the low carbon ers, communities and people. The plan will launch a new economy as rail produces 76% less CO2 emissions than the drive to show customers and communities locally how the equivalent road journey. As one railway, we will continue in- railway is changing in their area. vesting billions of pounds into the next decade, delivering for economies and businesses. We will improve and change. We will develop vibrant markets, increasing competition for franchises to boost innovation and efficiency. And we will RFG Members’ Party 2018 better deliver for the economy, customers and communities. Russell Mears, Senior Advisor, Freightliner, added: “By mov- Don’t forget that the RFG will be hosting its usual ing millions of tonnes of freight every year, the railway gets Members’ Party at Truckles of Pied Bull Yard, Central British goods to market, it keeps lorries off the road and the London, on Tuesday 6 February 2018. air cleaner. By coming together with a plan to change and improve the railway, the rail industry is today committing to The evening networking event is from 6pm to 9pm. do even more for the economy, businesses and communities across the country, now and for the generations ahead.” Further details will be announced shortly but please save the date and look out for your invite in the new year. Download the plan ‘In partnership for Britain’s prosperity’ •

7 RFG News Nov 2017

July 2018. The trial train transported 20 ing plans for future development at Wol- DB Cargo runs loaded BYA type wagons of steel coil from verhampton. When we open the Wolver- the Port of Boston on the East Coast of hampton Logistics Centre in 2018 we plan trial steel train England. DB Cargo is providing a full port to increase this service from one train to to end user service for ArcelorMittal, with three or four trains per week. Such ser- for ArcelorMittal the final miles of the delivery done by road vices support the British manufacturing to manufacturers in the West Midlands. industry by delivering steel to companies DB Cargo UK and steel and mining com- across the West Midlands that produce pany ArcelorMittal recently launched a The current facility at Wolverhampton can products such as white goods, heaters trial service moving some 1,300 tonnes store and handle some 1,380 steel coils. and cars.” of steel coil by rail to Wolverhampton. The new centre will increase this by 1,944 coils, giving a total capacity of 3,325, “Using rail also significantly reduces con- It is envisaged that the service will operate which is around 40,000 tonnes of steel. gestion on the roads, as each train can weekly. It underpins the significant invest- carry as much material as around 76 ment that DB Cargo UK has made into Roger Neary, Head of Logistics Sales HGVs. We are really proud of the trial and its facilities at the site. This includes the at DB Cargo UK, said: “We are thrilled look forward to working with ArcelorMittal development of the new Wolverhampton to have launched the first trial train with to progress the service further.” • Logistics Centre, which is set to open in ArcelorMittal, which is all part of our excit-

well as our aim to ensure as much freight in the UK is moved GBRf wins new deal with by rail as possible. We are delighted to be working with J Clubb on this, and hope that a long-term partnership devel- J Clubb ops in the coming months.”

GB Railfreight (GBRf) has won a new 12-month contract Ed Surman, Production Director of HH Celcon, said: “I’ve with J Clubb, the British aggregates and concrete com- just reviewed GBRf’s performance since it began the rail pany. The contract will see GBRf move ash from Cottam haulage service. The service has been first class, every train Power Stations in Nottinghamshire to the HH Celcon scheduled has run, it has never been short of a single wagon brick works in Borough Green, near Sevenoaks in Kent. and the quantities/train have been on target. Thanks to all involved at GBRf in making this work, moving this business GBRf will be transporting the ash for use in the manufacture has been a revelation, wish we had done it sooner!” of ‘aircrete’ blocks, which are then used in building and con- struction. GB Railfreight has a fleet of over 130 locomotives and 1,100 wagons, providing a wide range of rail transport solutions John Smith, Managing Director at GB Railfreight, said: “This and rail services to its customers. Its team of 650 people contract win is great news not just for GBRf but for both J operates over 1,000 trainloads a week, moving 15% of UK’s Clubb and HH Celcon as well. It is a vote of confidence in rail freight. • GBRf and its ability to deliver a quality service for clients, as

On 28 October, almost 100 people received a tour of the DB Cargo UK Knottingley depot and buildings. The select few were provid- ed with amazing vantage points for photography of the trains and wagons which were there at the time. The event was a great suc- cess raising over £2000 for the chosen charity Cancer Research UK. People were asked to donate £15 each to take part in this rare opportunity and there was also a raffle with ‘money can’t buy prizes’ on offer. RFG’s Autumn Meeting: East Midlands

Innovation was common theme among the speakers at our Peter Goddard (below), a consultant for Roxhill Developments, Autumn Members Meeting held on 1 November in the East gave an update on the East Midlands Gateway SRFI (Strategic Midlands. Rail Freight Interchange) which is being constructed at Junction 24 of the M1 and was visited by some of the delegates after the Andy Winebloom, Section Manager, Kaizen Team, TMUK Pro- meeting finished. The site has planning permission for 6m sq ft of duction, challenged the rail freight industry to come up with in- warehousing and will be capable of handling up to sixteen 775m novative ideas and systems which would enable it to work with freight trains per day. The first phase will allow eight trains a day Toyota. He explained how delivery of parts to the production lines and is due to start operations in mid-2019 after the 3.5km link to operates on a just-in-time basis in a pattern which demands gen- the mainline is connected to Network Rail. eral attributes like flexibility and reliability as well as specific ones such as side-loading HGVs – or rail wagons. Owen Snell (above), Director, Depot Rail Ltd, explained how his company’s innovative electric battery-powered shunters will help companies meet new stricter regulations on diesel emissions. They are also quieter than diesel shunters which makes them particularly useful in urban areas where shunting is required. He admitted that batteries do have limited working time for intensive operations but said that this can be partly overcome by the use of onboard generators for hybrid power.

The final speaker was River Tamoor Baig, CEO, Hack Partners, who introduced the Hack Train concept for driving innovation in rail. He explained that the rail industry is traditionally very slow moving in terms of decision-making, which means entrepreneurs (with a few months’ cash flow) find it very difficult to develop their ideas with both passenger and freight operations. He is working with DfT and other companies to help bridge that gap. He said Toyota has a strong commitment to sustainability and reducing its that the best results come from projects with large amounts of environmental footprint, so it would like to use rail, Andy said. He data. identified parts coming in from Japan and Turkey in sea contain- ers via the ports and the 25 trucks full of parts coming in via the The meeting began with the AGM and new board members Channel Tunnel from continental Europe every day as the most were welcomed. They are Duncan Clark, GB Railfreight; Richard likely to be suitable for a potential move to rail. Clark, DB Cargo UK; Francois Coart, Eurotunnel and David Turn- er, Malcolm Group. Thanks were also given to Nigel Jones and Richard Errington, Head of Innovation, Research and Develop- Neil Crossland who have retired from the Board. • ment at Stobart Rail, explained that the Stobart Group Innovation sits at the core of the business, with Rail, Energy, Aviation and Investments all driven by that. He said the rail network needs to be looked at as a whole system model, with new data sharing and efficient cross-industry connections using online platforms to connect suppliers to customers.

Colin Johnson (above), Managing Director, DGauge, explained how his company’s digital and dynamic gauging helps identify space on the rail network by asking the right questions and ap- plying the right innovation. The current system is conservative, so DGauge helps give a clearer picture by making the toleranc- es, movements and allowances more specific. “We need to reach for analysis tools before we reach for the angle grinders.” Thanks to Colin Wareing for this fantas- tic photo taken on 5 October at Man- chester. Freightliner 70007 approach- es Piccadilly having recently left the Trafford Park container base. This stretch of railway runs on a viaduct through the middle of the city. The train is heading straight towards the photographer and is the 15.18 service heading on to the Southampton marine container terminal.

Copyright Colin Wareing of Colin and Carole’s Creations

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ness with the certainty they need. We are sure that this is GBRf begins work with only the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership that will Solent Stevedores enable both organisations to flourish.” Fiona Robson, MD of Solent Stevedores said: “We are GBRf has began operating its first intermodal service pleased to welcome GBRf as a rail user to our terminal and with Solent Stevedores’ terminal at ABP Port of South- look forward to the continued expansion of more rail freight ampton to ABP . At 2.39am, the class 66 en- from ABP .” gine 66703 Doncaster PSB departed hauling 34 plat- forms fully laden with containers on its first round-trip ABP Southampton has also undergone recent upgrades on behalf of Wincanton, a service that will operate daily that will support the new contract between GBRf and Win- (Tuesday to Saturday). Its containers will carry cargo for canton. £2.4m has been invested in a new 5.8 acre facility major high street retailers that will end up distributed operated by Solent Stevedores, which has seen turnaround across the country for consumers to purchase in time times halved, vastly improved capacity, and driven container for Christmas. throughput.

John Smith, GBRf’s MD said: “I am so proud to see GBRf Alastair Welch, ABP Southampton Director, said: “The im- continue to grow and expand into new markets, working with provements to the rail freight facilities enable Solent Steve- new clients, and showing how rail can help decongest our dores to increase the number of containers they can handle roads and clean our air...Over the next five years we will and an increase to the number of trains coming to the port. work closely with our new partners at Wincanton to ensure This is an excellent example of partnership working.” • we deliver the services they require and provide their busi-

RFG Guest Article - Railfreight.com Nov 2017

In Herald Scotland he was quoted explaining: “It is hugely Encouraging more concerning that Scotland has got the worst percentage in the UK. It is a shocking figure, but it is because of the recruitment women into rail freight policies of the companies and we are trying to get them to address that. By Majorie van Leijen Editor, Railfreight.com Recruitment policies should be as gender-balanced as pos- sible, agreed the Freight Transport Association (FTA), rep- Only fifteen per cent of UK’s rail industry workforce is resenting freight train companies in Scotland. Striving to re- female. Furthermore, of all train drivers in the UK only cruit more female drivers, FTA said to work hard to raise the six per cent is a woman. In Scotland, female train drivers profile of the industry and the opportunities which it offers for represent only four per cent. This comes down to one women. Scotland’s rail operator the ScotRail Alliance made single female driver. These statistics, based on 2015, similar statements. have led various industry players in the UK to actively look at the attractiveness of the railway sector for wom- Gender-balanced language en. “With so many talented women in the UK this is not Gender-balanced recruitment is also on the agenda of DB the way that it should be and there are things that can Cargo. “It may be hard to explain, but without being very be done to show women the great opportunities that are aware, we tend to use terms describing certain factors of the available to them in rail”, said Amy Pressland, specialist job that indicate the position is meant for a male. We must HR Projects Manager at DB Cargo. be careful to use gender neutral terms in a recruitment pro- cedure”, said Pressland. Network Rail recently found that better performing teams are those that are diverse in their make-up, especially in their Pointing out the benefits of the industry is equally important, gender mix. Following business consultancy giant McKinsey, she believes. “In the UK, work in the railway industry is well- the British national railway company conducted a research, paid and you get nice perks, such as train tickets for life. The concluding that teams evenly balanced between men and industry is not really visible to women, we must make them women perform best. A twenty per cent critical minimum aware of the opportunities they have.” threshold mix delivers notable improvements, such as more engaged and motivated teams, lower sickness rates, higher Perception productivity and more collaboration. The idea that being, for example, a rail freight driver is a typical man’s job is a perception, she states. “It is a chal- Stumbling upon these findings, the company decided to en- lenging job. A driver may face loneliness on route and has gage in a range of initiatives to improve the gender balance long working hours. But this is difficult for any person and in its workforce and in doing so, it is not alone. Also DB Cargo if it suits you, it can be a very appealing job, for a man or has appointed a specialist HR Projects Manager to expand a woman.” Ironically, it is the position of train driver women diversity in its work force and support and encourage wom- find most daunting, although this is especially the job where en to work in rail. ”With so many talented women in the UK women face relatively low barriers, she concludes. “It is just this is not the way that it should be and there are things that that we are pushed into social roles from a very early age. can be done to show women the great opportunities that are We learn that women have certain jobs, and train driver is available to them in rail”, said the appointed Amy Pressland. not one of them.”

Obstacles Based on her findings, DB Cargo aims to develop anef- “There is a general perception among women that it will be fective recruitment strategy, in addition to education to in- more difficult to have children when working in the railway in- crease the number of women in the railway industry. “We dustry”, said Pressland. For a period of nine months, she has can change perception from an early age by approaching been collecting data among women in the railway industry in children in schools.” Similarly, Network Rail aims to reduce the UK, France and Spain. She asked them about the main gender stereotyping of children that limits their options and hurdles they faced. Especially when holding management potential. “We live in a world where 51 per cent of people are positions, finding suitable daycare for their children was be- women and our workforce should reflect that. We provide a lieved to be an obstacle, she said. public service and we will do a better job if the people who work for us reflect those we serve”, Mark Carne, chief exec- Appropriate clothing and facilities for female proved to be an- utive of Network Rail said. other issue of concern. “Many of these women complained of a lack of female toilets in and around trains. In terms of clothing, ground staff for example pointed out that there was Majorie van Leijen is editor of RailFreight.com, online maga- never a pair of gloves their size. In general, there was a per- zine for rail freight professionals. ception that the industry is a male dominated world, where www.railfreight.com. • women are just not meant to be working.”

Recruitment policies According to Scottish secretary Kevin Lindsay, the lack of female train drivers in the northern country is caused mainly by male managers repeatedly hiring men. He made the com- ments in response to a resolution submitted to the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) by train drivers’ union Aslef.

13 RFG SPONSOR PARTNERS 2017

The Rail Freight Group (RFG) would like to thank each of its Sponsor Partners for 2017. These companies come from within the core RFG membership and have 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 sincerely thank all of them for their commitment to the group and ongoing support to the UK rail freight sector. Planning update - Burges Salmon Nov 2017 displace the problem and could actually increase congestion and Planning update traffic elsewhere. These local authorities want more centralised direction to tackle emissions, including introducing charging By Elizabeth Dunn, Partner and zones for vehicles to reduce traffic levels. Whether the CAP is Stephen Humphreys, Solicitor, Burges Salmon adequate and complies with the EU framework will be for the court to determine but there is clearly a consensus (amongst In this month’s article we look at the increasing prominence environmentalists and local authorities) that the plan does not go of air quality issues. We also look at the proposals in, and far enough. The judgment will be eagerly anticipated, especially reaction to, the Government’s recently published Clean Air by developers whose proposals may impact on air quality. Plan (CAP). Out of interest, the current CAP (p.73) contains a section on CAP rail. It cites electrification as a means to help reduce emission As we have reported previously, the Government is under an levels and the replacement of older diesel units with new units obligation to produce a CAP. This requires it to set out measures compliant with the latest standards, including the non-road detailing how it will tackle nitrogen dioxide concentration from mobile machinery standards. There is a commitment in the CAP polluting emissions which, according to statistics, is responsible to reduce emissions of nitrogen dioxide from rail, aviation and for between 30,000 and 40,000 deaths annually. The UK shipping. A section of the report also cites Welsh Government’s is required to hit emission targets set at a European level. commitment to shifting freight transport from road to rail (however, Government attempts to produce a CAP have been heavily there is no similarly statement about rail in England). Aside from criticised and subject to two high profile legal challenges. that, there is little else in the plan concerning rail or rail freight. Government incentives (such as the recent £20m low emission On two occasions ClientEarth has challenged the Government: freight and logistics trial) may assist with leading the transition firstly it succeeded in the Supreme Court in April 2015 which led but concerns have been raised about the ongoing and future to the court ordering “that the Government must prepare and emissions of nitrogen dioxide from background emitters, which consult on new air quality plans for submission to the European includes rail. Commission... no later than December 31 2015” and the Government had to take “immediate action” to address the issue Silvertown Tunnel of clean air. At that time, levels of nitrogen dioxide were being The CAP has already had implications on proposed development. exceeded in 16 different cities and regions in the UK. We usually provide updates in this column on development under the Development Consent Order (DCO) regime and this month’s Following that decision, the Government issued its first CAP. article is no exception. The Secretary of State has delayed his However, this was successfully challenged in November 2016 decision of Transport for London’s Silvertown Tunnel project by by ClientEarth for a number of reasons, including: the proposed six months due to the publication of the new CAP. The Silvertown ‘Clean Air Zones’ (i.e. areas of high emissions, prioritised to be project is for a new road tunnel to run under the Thames, from the tackled through clean air initiatives) would fail to be in compliance Greenwich peninsular (near the Millennium Dome) to Silvertown. with emission targets quickly enough; that the predicted level of This is a further delay after the Department for Transport (DfT) future emissions was heavily underestimated; and that the CAP stalled consideration of the proposal in October for one month. failed to comply with the requirements of the Supreme Court ruling Delaying decisions in the DCO regime is very unusual, given and the EU framework. Following this decision, the Government that the timescales for determination are set in the Planning Act revised its plan to make it more “ambitious and comprehensive”, 2008. However, the Secretary of State has a discretionary power with one of the main suggestions being that charging zones for to delay his/her decision. vehicles should be introduced in areas failing to comply with air quality levels. The Government published its revised measures Whether the ClientEarth challenge will impact further on this for consultation on 26 July 2017. timescale will depend on the result of the litigation and whether or not a further appeal is launched by the unsuccessful party. ClientEarth has once again issued a legal challenge against the We will also need to wait to see whether the challenge results Government’s proposals. This is on the basis that the revised in any amendments being made to the CAP. In any event, the plan does not go far enough; more specifically that: CAP and air quality is becoming a more prevalent consideration for developers and the uncertain climate surrounding measures • the latest plan backtracks on previous commitments to to tackle emissions may continue to impact development where order five cities (Birmingham, Derby, Leeds, Nottingham and this is a key consideration of the scheme. • Southampton) to introduce clean air zones by 2020;

• the plan does not require any action in 45 local authorities in England, despite them having illegal levels of air pollution (with two of the 45 complaining they are not being helped); and

• the plan does not require any action by Wales to bring down air pollution as quickly as possible (N.B. these points are taken from ClientEarth’s website). Contact: Elizabeth Dunn, Partner As part of the revised CAP, the Government is looking to local [email protected] authorities to tackle emissions, using money from a central pot of £250m, by undertaking works to the highway network. Whilst it may seem sensible to push responsibility down to a local level Stephen Humphreys, Associate where emission levels are being breached, six local authorities [email protected] have already written to Defra warning that seeking to tackle www.burges-salmon.com pollution hotspots through works to the highway network will only Westminster Update - JR Consulting Nov 2017

least £500 million and make no difference whatever to journey Commons’ Transport times, because line speeds in south Wales are relatively limited.” Windermere was now expected to see battery- Committee highlights rail electric trains. Mr Grayling argued that “We have to get away from concern about the form of traction. What passengers infrastructure spending care about is whether they have a nice, comfortable modern train that gets them to where they want to go at a faster time By Jonathan Roberts, MD, JR Consulting and in a comfortable environment of the kind they expect on their trains.” As we await the 22 November Budget news, transport continues to feature in major discussions on spending Where electrification was supported was on commuter priorities. routes. “We think that is where the environmental benefits are greatest, with trains stopping and starting. That is why The new House of Commons’ Transport Select Committee, we are doing so much electrification around the north-west; now chaired by Lilian Greenwood MP, held a one-off oral and we will benefit from electrification in the West Midlands, evidence session on 16th October with the Transport for example. The key thing is that we have not abandoned Secretary, Chris Grayling. It was intended to “understand the electrification.” Grayling also stated that expenditure on Department’s thinking – get into the nuts and bolts of why trans-Pennine modernisation is a major priority – “northern they have made recent changes to policy”. This meant that powerhouse rail and Crossrail 2 are projects that will both the topics discussed were selective rather across the whole be needed in the future, and both of which we are working range of departmental priorities. Click here for more. to develop”. There was further detailed discussion on rail projects in Northern England and in the South West. Questions covered recent aviation issues including Monarch and Ryanair events, and policy on managing the impact of Lilian Greenwood asked about electrified rail freight: “ There Brexit on aviation and on heavy lorry customs inspections was a proposal for an from the south coast at ports. The bulk of the questioning was however on to the north and north-west. In 2012, that was described as railway investment, and on the recent announcements ‘crucial to creating the conditions for investment in electric which reduced investment on railway electrification, possibly rail freight vehicles, which offer more efficient, capable and ‘discontinuous’ electrification in future, and presaged more sustainable freight haulage.’ What does the demise of the use of bi-mode trains. electric spine mean for the future of rail freight? Manchester area MP Graham Stringer (Labour) suggested Chris Grayling replied: “I am sorry if I sound like a stuck that Mr Grayling thought “the electrification of the trans- record, but, interestingly, the first bi-mode freight locomotives Pennine route may be too difficult”. The Transport Secretary have just arrived in the country, and I think we will end up refuted that, saying: “I have made no comments at all with diesel/electric freight trains. That was always likely to be about the plans for electrification of the trans-Pennine line, the right approach, because freight services go to parts of simply because I have not had the proposals yet. Network the network where there are no plans to electrify, and having Rail is currently working on the modernisation plan. What bi-mode freight locomotives will give them the flexibility to I have said is that, across the network, the arrival of a new operate right across the country. generation of diesel-electric, battery-electric and ultimately hydrogen-electric hybrid trains offers flexibilities that we did Inverclyde MP Ronnie Cowan (SNP) asked Chris Grayling not have before.” why he had cut £600m from the Scottish railway budget. “You have taken the decision to change the long-term There was a lengthy discussion about the merits and utility of funding formula for Scottish Rail, which will now be linked to bi-mode trains versus whole route electrification. Mr Grayling population and the Barnett formula.” The Transport Secretary stated that there was no BCR case and no financial merit in responded that “the Barnett formula is a tried and trusted some recent schemes, and in practice favoured initial route mechanism for allocating funding to Scotland… we are at the modernisation before the merits of wiring were considered. start of a new control period. The Treasury has considered He agreed to publish the BCR ratios for the various schemes. the issue carefully and has come to the view that, since the Barnett formula applies across a whole range of the ways He highlighted that electrifying to Sheffield wasn’t worthwhile Scotland is funded, there is no obvious reason for that not ahead of HS2: “When that [route modernisation] work to continue. is completed, around the turn of this decade, it will take 20 minutes off the journey time to Sheffield. We are also Ronnie Cowan pressed further: “Did you consult Transport ordering a new generation of trains that will arrive in about Scotland? Can it run the railway £600 million down?” Mr four years’ time. If after completing that work we were to Grayling replied that “This is a decision for the Treasury to move to a second stage and complete the missing gaps take, which it did. It is for the Treasury to allocate funding for electrification to Sheffield, it would cost nearly £1 billion based on the funding formula, so I am afraid I am the wrong and save one minute on the journey time to Sheffield, and Minister to ask about that.” the new trains would arrive three to four years later…I am expecting Network Rail’s proposals and detailed work at the Network Rail spending permitted for Control Period 6 (£47.9 end of this year, but we have a substantial block of money in billion) will see the bulk of expenditure going on operations, the CP6 budget for trans-Pennine modernisation.” maintenance and renewals, but an initial £9 billion is allocated to enhancements, according to Grayling’s answer In the case of electrification from Cardiff to Swansea, “if we to the Committee. were to continue electrification to Swansea, it would cost at Continued over the page.

16 Westminster Update - JR Consulting Nov 2017

“We expect to provide money for other projects as time goes avoid the poor quality of framework costing outcomes which by.” Currently authorised projects were Ely junction, trans- have arisen with a number of recent major rail projects. The Pennine modernisation, and rail investment in the Bristol schemes will then be submitted to Treasury for approval. area. Retrospectively this could impact on HS2 costings, which are the subject of considerable public unease, as well as Following this one-off inquiry, there was an exchange Network Rail ‘classic route’ enhancements. of letters between Lilian Greenwood and the Transport Secretary, with the latter replying on 25th October. In that There are obviously a number of projects that are going to be reply, Chris Grayling made a particular reference to future carried over from CP5 and it is expected that some of these railway ‘enhancement’ spending: “we’ll be announcing further will be part of the initial enhancement elements. This in turn details on the new process for taking forward enhancements will limit the funding available for entirely new schemes from later in the year. I will make sure I write to you with further 2019 onwards. Also any schemes that have completed their information before I publish this”. Whether this will be set development process may be included. The Initial Industry out as part of the Budget, or announced later, has not been Advice (IIA) still has not been published, and it is possible stated. that schemes will only be announced once project evaluation has been concluded. Letter from Chair to Chris Grayling MP re additional information Transport Dept 17-10-2017 There are three related documents that are worth a look at, ahead of Grayling’s statement which he said on 16th October Response from Chris Grayling MP to Chair re Dept Transport policy would be “in the coming weeks”: priorities 25-10-2017

DfT/NR – Memorandum of Understanding re funding of New rail infrastructure inquiry enhancements The Transport Committee has now launched a further inquiry into rail infrastructure, looking at whether the current system ORR Working Paper on funding of enhancements in CP6 of planning and delivering investment in rail infrastructure is adequate. There is a deadline for written submissions of NR Response to ORR working paper • Monday 18 December 2017. Click here for details.

News from the corridors Informed advice is that as a result of the Shaw and Bowe reviews on the future funding of Network Rail, a more flexible Contact: process for the taking forward of rail enhancements has Jonathan Roberts, MD, been developed. Much of the drive in the future will be to JR Consulting obtain third party funding for projects, rather than direct from 07545 641 204 Government. Enhancement projects will be able to progress [email protected] when they are ready, with identified scope and costs, rather www.jrc.org.uk than in fixed, 5 year control periods.

It is expected that the Department will liaise with Network Rail Route Directors on enhancement schemes which it wishes to procure, and then to run a detailed vetting process on those under new rules for project costing. This is intended to

DB on the big screen

Paddington 2 is out in cinemas now and if you are going to see it keep an eye out for the exciting rail chase scenes.

DB Cargo helped plan and conduct the train movements needed for scenes involving 60163 Tornado, Belmond British Pullman and a Class 66 with FYA wagons.

Richard Corser, Account Manager Charters and Resource Hire at DB Cargo UK, said: “It was very challenging but a very exciting project to be part of and proof that staff at DB Cargo UK can really put their hands to anything. Drivers from our Acton depot and our steam crew were involved in the filming and were excellent throughout - thanks to all involved DB Cargo UK has a well-deserved credit in the film.” European News Nov 2017 News in brief:

Gothenburg expands rail facilities • Swedish freight operator Hector Rail has announced plans to establish a stan- dalone business unit in Germany, saying it sees the country as an important market with opportunities for long-term growth.

• 2016 saw another year of increases to rail freight traf- fic on Iarnród Éireann / Irish Rail (IÉ) with the number of freight trains operated being up 6% and tonnes carried Operations at the intermodal terminal at it will simply be a case of all systems go.” up by 8% on 2015. In 2015, Gothenburg Central Station are due to The new 65,000sq m terminal is located be- 96.4m tonne km of freight move to the outer port area at Hisingen side the ro-ro terminals. From there, trailers were moved by rail in Ire- and other rolling goods can be transported in December. land and this increased by by sea to the UK, Belgium and other des- 5% to 101.5m tonne km in Magnus Nordfeldt, project leader at Goth- tinations. Capacity at the new intermodal enburg Port Authority, said: “Enormous vol- terminal will be higher than at the old city 2016. umes of freight will in effect switch terminal centre terminal. Seven rail tracks with a to- from one day to the next. It feels reassuring tal length of 3,600m are being built. • Swissterminal has re- to be able to inform rail companies and oth- sumed operations at the er stakeholders at the port that the situation The new terminal will be operated by San- Niederglatt container termi- is completely under control. In December, dahls Goods & Parcel AB. nal, in the Niederhasli district close to Zurich. From 2012, it has served the Zuricharea from the Rekingen terminal but the lease for this site is coming to an end. From No- vember, Swissterminal will operate a feeder connection between its headquarters in Frenkendorf close to Basel and Niederglatt with three trains per week.

• Ekol Logistics has launched a block train con- necting between Trieste, Italy and Zeebrugge, Bel- gium, with connections to and from the UK. It leaves Trieste twice a week and will offer connections on The first container train of forest products on Railgate Finland, Kouvola-China P&O Ferries to , Hull Express, started its journey from Kouvola to Xi´an, China on 10 November. and , with space for equipment including mega trailers, containers and swap bodies. The train will Contact the RFG Team: be operated by Hupac and is expected to carry around Tony Berkeley, Chairman, 07710 431 542 5,000 shipments per year. Maggie Simpson, Executive Director, 07737 007 957 Phillippa O’Shea, Administration Manager, 07931 763 081 • Kazakhstan incumbent James Falkner, Media Officer, 07753 271 110 Temir Zholy has developed Robin Smith, Welsh Representative, 07968 488 905 a programme to construct David Spaven, Scottish Representative, 07917 877 399 new freight wagons, as it Mike Hogg, North of England Representative, 07833 402 804 looks to update the roll- Yvonne Mulder, Project Manager, 07887 767 666 ing stock with increased RFG News is published by the Rail Freight Group, 7 Bury Place, London, WC1A. Tel: 020 3116 0007 Fax: 020 3116 load capacity and reduced 0008. www.rfg.org.uk. RFG welcomes comments, letters and short articles. Opinions expressed in these articles are of weight. the author only. RFG News is published primarily for online distribution but we will continue to send hard copies to those readers who request them.