Rail Freight Needs Electrification Now!

147 NEWSHelping ensure a sustainable future for UK rail freight May 2021

Rail freight needs electrification now! Railway sector urges Government to begin new programme of rail electrification, in order to meet P.3 net zero legal commitments. RFG welcomes Phil Smart to Policy team

Rail Freight Group (RFG) has joined a host of itself further if it is to achieve the Government’s rail sector leaders to call on Government to aim of removing all diesel-only trains off start a new and much-needed electrification the network by 2040 and the legally binding programme immediately. commitment to net zero by 2050.

An open letter to the Transport Secretary According to Network Rail, to decarbonise the Grant Shapps MP, signed by more than 15 network, 13,000 single track kilometres – or rail businesses, and industry and campaign around 450km a year – of track will need to be groups, has called for a programme of rail electrified by 2050 in order to achieve net zero, electrification to begin as soon as possible to yet from 2019-2020 only 251km was electrified. P.5 meet the Government’s legally binding net zero VTG Rail rolls out commitments. Maggie Simpson OBE, Director General of Ecofret2 with GBRf Rail Freight Group (RFG), said: “Rail freight is The letter comes on the back of a new report, already one of the most sustainable modes for “Why Rail Electrification?” that sets out why moving goods, and our customers are ambitious – even with the development of clean new for us to become even greener. Electrification technologies like battery and hydrogen trains is essential for decarbonising rail freight and we – the industry will be unable to decarbonise support the publication of this report which sets the rail network to the extent required without out a compelling case for action.” significant further electrification upgrades. Darren Caplan, CEO of the Railway Industry Rail is already a low-carbon method of transport, Association (RIA), added: “The report clearly contributing just 1.4% of all transport emissions. P.7 However, the industry will need to decarbonise New £3m rail hub now Continued on page 2 open at Grangemouth Rail freight’s £2.5bn value on the rise

New Rail Delivery Group report highlights rail freight’s growing value to the UK economy. Article on page 4.

P.10

Freightliner and Tarmac trial new ‘jumbo’ train

entries in. Time to get your RFG Awards 2021 Details on page 3. May 2021

RFG Director-General’s Update

if there was no evidence of a transition to a more sustainable Environmental business model. Rail freight already has a great story to tell as a low-carbon business debate transport mode and we know that this is a key factor for customers, and indeed some policymakers are looking to may turn into promote use of rail. Yet like all businesses, this is not the full survival of the story, and we need to go further on sustainability. For decarbonisation, we know that more rail electrification will greenest be essential to meet the net zero 2050 target. While the Scottish Government has already committed to a rolling programme of By Maggie Simpson OBE, electrification on key routes in Scotland, there is little progress Director-General, on understanding where and how progress will be made Rail Freight Group(RFG). in England. So we were delighted to sign an open letter co- ordinated by the Rail Industry Association calling for action on electrification now. Last Thursday (22 April) was Earth Day and was marked with events across the globe to highlight support for Even though we know that the business case for electrifying environmental protection. Earth Day has been running some routes may not be viable, there are very significant parts since 1970 and it could be argued is needed more than ever of our network where the case should be easily made, and today as the impacts of global warming and environmental which would enable more traffic to operate with electric traction. damage manifest themselves on society more than ever. Equally, the existing electrified network needs to be made fit for Yet across the previous 51 years and perhaps now more purpose for freight, where it is inadequate. than ever, discussions on sustainability are not limited to Click here to read the letter. a single day but are becoming a significant part of day to day business. I was recently invited to join the RSSB led Sustainable Railway Executive which is tasked with driving forward a sustainability To coincide with Earth Day, RFG member Addleshaw Goddard strategy for the industry promoting a range of measures including released its ‘Sustainability – Pain to Net Gain’ report ‘Financiers: from biodiversity to air quality. This is a welcome move and will the new corporate sustainability activists’, which was based on bring a much needed focus to the topic. I will be looking to share a survey of 1,000 finance and business leaders. The results the work with our members, to highlight the good practice that revealed that some 95% of business leaders see that improving is already emerging and to ensure that modal shift to rail freight their sustainability is at worst cost-neutral, and at best would remains a core objective for decarbonising freight transport in drive business growth, with projections of a net 3.5% revenue totality. increase by 2025 on average. Sustainability is a global imperative, but as Addleshaw Goddard’s Businesses are also seeing significantly increased pressure report reminds us it is also a business imperative. This may well from financiers and bankers to improve sustainability, with the be ‘survival of the greenest’. risk that funding will not be available for companies that cannot demonstrate action. More than 50% of financiers surveyed indicated they would consider not funding transport companies

Continued from page 1. Report Lead Author, David Shirres, “It is hoped that this report, which said: “The ‘Why Rail Electrification?’ is supported by rail businesses and shows the rail industry will be unable report complements Network Rail’s professional engineering institutions, will to decarbonise the network without a Traction Decarbonisation Network be read by decision makers to enable rolling programme of electrification. As Strategy by explaining why electrification them to understand exactly why rail RIA has demonstrated in recent work, is both a future-proof technology and a electrification offers such advantages.” electrification in the UK can be delivered good investment. affordably, at up to 50% the cost of some Noel Dolphin, Campaign to Electrify past projects, if there is a long-term, “If Britain is to decarbonise, transport Britain’s Railway (CEBR), added: “The consistent, profile of work rather than the has to be weaned off petroleum for report clearly demonstrates that due to current situation of boom and bust. which the only zero-carbon alternative is the laws of physics the majority of the electricity. However, electricity can only network will require electrification, if the “Crucially, a rolling programme of be transmitted to fixed locations and then UK is decarbonise the railway. We believe electrification needs to start now if the converted into another form of energy this can only be delivered affordably Government is to hit its obligations, for on-board storage. This significantly through a long-term rolling programme. and if the railway industry is not to lose limits a vehicle’s power and range. In With current electrification projects capability and expertise from the current contrast, electric trains collect electricity completing, we are about to enter another hiatus in activity. Also, by committing to on the move from fixed current collection boom and bust cycle, that will make it electrification immediately, UK rail could systems and feed it straight into their harder to achieve decarbonisation and be a world leader, creating and sustaining motors without any energy conversion cost efficiency in the future. We call on green jobs, investment and economic losses. Hence, they offer efficient high- the Government and Network Rail to bring growth at a critical time for the UK powered net-zero carbon traction with forward ‘no regrets’ schemes now.” • economy as we all seek to build out of the large passenger, freight, and operational Coronavirus pandemic.” benefits. 2 May 2021

News in Brief

• Friday 30 April is Railway Day, the sister event to October’s Stations Day. It will highlight all the work passenger and freight staff undertake to keep the railway running. Look out on Twitter for an The deadline for entering the RFG Awards is fast approaching, industry montage video with all entries needing to be in before noon on 28 May. (featuring the Secretary of Don’t miss your chance to celebrate the amazing work of your team. State for Transport) and the amazing work of Rail The annual RFG Awards recognise excellence in all aspects of rail freight. The period of to Refuge and the Railway eligibility covered by the awards is 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2021, so we anticipate that there Food Collections. will be many examples of outstanding efforts made by members of the rail freight community during the Covid-19 crisis. In fact, we have added a special category to recognise Covid Heroes • Martin Tugwell has – hopefully a category for one year only! been appointed as Chief Executive of Transport for Corporate Members may compete in as many categories as they wish and can enter the same the North (TfN). He will project/innovation etc in different categories if appropriate. succeed Barry White, who is due to step down this All entries, including an entry form, should be sent to [email protected] and must be received month. Current Northern no later than noon on Friday 28 May 2021. • Powerhouse Rail Director, Tim Wood, will become Click here for full details on award categories and how to enter. Interim chief exec until Martin officially comes on board in the summer.

• Eddie Aston has been appointed chief executive Phil Smart joins RFG as Assistant Policy officer of Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (G&W) UK/ Manager Europe Region, which includes: Freightliner, RFG is pleased to announce the Pentalver, Freightliner appointment of Phil Smart as its new Poland, and Rotterdam Assistant Policy Manager. Rail Feeding, a provider of shunting and rail He will work closely with Director-General feeder services in the Maggie Simpson and play a key role in RFG’s Netherlands. engagement with both regional and national government. He will also help support the • Direct Rail Services group’s members in disseminating complex has announced that its transport strategy amid a changing and planned 2021 open day at dynamic sector that is increasingly focused on Crewe will not take place decarbonisation. this year, due to ongoing event restrictions. Phil has a local government background, having worked in the education field with Essex • RFG’s Director-General County Council. He also serves on Ipswich Maggie Simpson OBE Borough Council, where he has accumulated was recently published in a wealth of environment and transport policy ‘Friends of the Scotsman’. our team. The RFG’s position as the leading experience over many years. He is also She discussed the member-based organisation in the sector has the author of several policy papers for the current state of planning never been more important and I know Phil will campaign group Railfuture. in Scotland and the add a huge level of experience and drive to the importance of a new position. Rail freight is increasingly attractive On his appointment, he said: “I am delighted joined-up approach to to the supply chain sector and it is growing to be joining the RFG team at an exciting time transport infrastructure in its importance to the environmental lobby. for the sector. With the growing emphasis on projects. Read the full If the government is going to meet its green decarbonisation, there is an increasing role article here. for rail freight in the UK supply chains and a targets rail freight will need to be at the top greater need for local and national policies to of the transport agenda. Our policy work will support this objective.” be key in ensuring decision-makers make the right decisions and support the growth of rail Maggie Simpson OBE, Director-General, RFG, freight.” added: “I am delighted to be welcoming Phil to Phil can be contacted at [email protected] 3 May 2021 100th freight train arrives at Rail freight’s value on the rise HS2’s Bucks site In a new report published by the Rail Delivery Group, based on independent research by Deloitte, analysis shows that rail In Buckinghamshire, the first 100 trains - operated by DB freight delivers £2.5bn in economic and social benefits to the Cargo and Hanson for HS2 contractor EKFB – have so far UK annually, with the north of England, Wales and Scotland delivered 150,000 tonnes of aggregate for use around the among areas benefiting the most. Calvert Railhead. Transporting this material by rail instead of road has already taken the equivalent of 7,500 HGVs off As part of the report, Deloitte developed a new framework which local roads. enables the value of different types of freight paths to be calculated. The model shows that each rail freight path on the network has an The temporary 26,200 sq/m Calvert Railhead site is being built economic value of up to £1.5m per year and highlights the benefits by HS2’s main works contractor EKFB – a team made up of that could be realised by transporting more goods by rail. Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial and Bam Nuttall – and will be the main construction and logistics hub during work on the central section The study found that freight trains are transporting more consumer of the HS2 project. items, including groceries, cars and electronics than ever before. Every day goods that we all use and consume travel by rail and At the peak of construction, more than 650 people will work at this benefits everyone, not only by removing lorries from congested the Calvert Railhead. They will be some of 4,000 jobs set to be roads - making journeys more pleasant and reliable for other users, created by EKFB over the next two years working a 80km section but also by providing cost efficient transport to businesses, the of the railway between the Chilterns and south Warwickshire, consumer benefits through lower prices. including 17 viaducts, 81 bridges and three ‘green tunnels’. The volumes of building materials moved by rail have also The railhead is also next to a section of disused railway which is continued to grow, supplying construction materials to improve the being brought back into use as part of the East-West rail project road network, build new houses and even for our DIY projects. which is set to link Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford, Aylesbury and Cambridge. The two teams are working closely together on Click here to download the report. their construction plans, with HS2 set to deliver three bridges and 3km of earthworks along the southern edge of the Calvert site on behalf of East-West Rail. • May 2021

turbulence when running at 75mph, which increases drag and VTG Rail’s Ecofret2 rolls into fuel consumption. Ecofret2® platforms are fitted with a new bogie incorporating rubber suspension components and hydraulic service damping, giving an improved dynamic ride. They also feature additional container mounting points on the outer platforms, VTG Rail UK (VTG) recently joined GB Railfreight (GBRf) meaning that either two 20ft or one 40ft box can be carried on all in welcoming the delivery of its first operational Ecofret2® platforms giving maximum loading flexibility to customers. triple-container flat wagon sets, which will be used to 4support the operator’s growing demand for intermodal Colin Denman, MD, VTG Rail (above right), said: “The Ecofret2® services. represents a step-change in efficiency and design for intermodal rail freight and we are delighted with the end result. For freight On 8 April, the VTG Rail team visited GBRf’s new £3m operators, the enhanced wagon design enables further cost Peterborough facility to formally welcome their arrival and inspect savings when moving the larger 40ft container units, which can the enhanced platforms before they go into operation. The event be passed on to deep-sea container customers, encouraging was the culmination of a considerable amount of work and was more companies to put their goods onto the railways. As with all a key moment for VTG Rail, delivering on a long-standing and new VTG Rail wagons Ecofret2® will be fitted with our ‘Connect’ multi-million-pound partnership. telematics system, allowing users to subscribe to a range of GPS-based tracking and monitoring services. We look forward Following successful prototype testing and approvals, the to working with GBRf and other freight operating companies to wagons are the first of 252, in the form of 84 triple-wagon sets, continue innovating to meet the demands of this dynamic and that will be delivered throughout 2021 and will soon be busy exciting sector.” running intermodal goods to and from ports across the country. John Smith, MD, GB Railfreight, added: “We are delighted to be A green innovation that also comes in blue. partnering with VTG Rail once again and to be able to roll out their The Ecofret2® carries enhanced design features over the existing new fantastic Ecofret2® wagons. As we grow GBRf’s intermodal Ecofret, it now includes a brand new, track-friendly TF20 bogie business, we couldn’t ask for a better partner than VTG, which is and braking system with enhanced dynamic ride performance at the cutting edge of the industry. In addition, the whole sector and additional mounting points for increased loading flexibility. has a huge role to play as we look to move more freight by rail in order to remove carbon emissions – a move which will be made The key benefits of the Ecofret2® wagons are that they avoid easier thanks to the brilliant and industry-leading work done by the need for empty spaces, which are so often seen on trains the likes of VTG and GBRf”. • made up of 60ft deck length container flats carrying a single 40ft box. These empty spaces are wasteful and create considerable

The move comes after Woodland difference.” Woodland Group opened a 195,000 sq ft fulfilment and distribution facility at iPort back in Steve Freeman, MD, iPort Rail, moves more March. said: “We are really pleased that goods to rail Woodland Group is taking full Luke Fermor, Global Fulfilment advantage of iPort’s multimodal The Woodland Group has began Manager, Woodland Group, said: capabilities, particularly its decision operating a new intermodal “We’re conscious of our role in to link up warehousing operations service between iPort Rail in providing solutions that will help our with rail. As tackling climate Doncaster and both Felixstowe clients optimise their supply chains change becomes more of a priority, and Southampton, with further and reduce their emissions where increasing numbers of businesses services to London Gateway possible. This strategic partnership are choosing to do this as a greener and Immingham to follow. By with iPort Rail and the new routes alternative, without compromising on May more than 140 container we’re building together represent our efficiency and reliability.” movements are expected each continued drive to engineer supply month. chain solutions that will make a Click here for Woodland’s intro video.

5 RFG Event Review May 2021

explained that as rail systems are increasingly being digitised and Cybersecurity in rail freight connectivity is being added, this greatly increases cybersecurity risks. He said that while safety has been integral to the rail webinar industry for many years, many companies are not prepared for the potential problems the increased connectivity and digitisation Cybersecurity is about much more than systems – it is will bring. not just a technology problem but about taking a holistic approach and looking at all aspects of your business, To view the webinar click here. To receive copies of the slides, especially people. This was the theme of the RFG webinar email [email protected] on cybersecurity, 20 April 2021.

Emma Bradford, Head of Behavioural Psychology Unit at Frazer- Nash Consultancy, explained that it is important to establish RFG innovation series – Can organisational resilience from a people and process point of view. operators be greener and cut The consultancy has developed the PREPARE model: preside, resource, educate, publicise, acclimatise, rehearse, evaluate. costs?

Marie Hill, Chief Transformation and Digitalisation Officer, DB On 14 April, RFG held its first webinar of a series tackling Cargo, talked about the importance of making cyber security fun, innovation in rail freight. It examined new ideas for cleaning memorable and engaging in order to ensure all members of staff engines, more efficient timetabling and just-in-time buffer understand their own role in maintaining safe systems. refurbishing. All contributing to the decarbonisation agenda.

Daniel Jaeggi, Head of Business Development, Razorsecure Click here to view the webinar on the RFG’s YouTube channel.

DRS now part of Nuclear Transport Solutions

Direct Rail Services has announced it will now operate under a new company Nuclear Transport Solutions (NTS), part of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) group.

The creation of NTS follows the NDA’s decision last year to create a single nuclear transport division. DRS will continue to deliver rail and shipping services for customers.

Chris Connelly, NTS Deputy CEO and Rail Director, said: “NTS brings together a wide variety of knowledge, skills and talent into one organisation. It’s a fantastic opportunity and being part of it will make DRS stronger, more competitive and able to offer a broader range of services to our customers.”

Financial overview of the railways published

The National Audit Office has published its report ‘A financial overview of the rail system in England’, scrutinising spending across the sector and seeking to increase transparency.

Among its many points, on decarbonisation and future proofing the sector, it said: “Shifting people and freight from road to rail would make significant carbon savings, but as road vehicle technology becomes greener, to meet net zero plans, government will need to invest in greening the rail network itself.

“The Department has announced it intends to remove all diesel trains by 2040 but is yet to publish plans on how it will meet this target. Network Rail has analysed replacement technologies based on traction requirements, and concluded that, while hydrogen and battery-powered locomotives could play a part, for 85% of unelectrified line, the best technology would be electrifying the network. Click here to download the report. 6 May 2021

Port of Grangemouth said: “The opening for our existing and future customers.” New £3m rail hub of our new freight rail hub comes at an important time for the freight market as Chris Connelly, Deputy CEO and Rail now open at businesses are seeking flexible, resilient, Director of NTS which operates Direct Grangemouth and greener supply chain solutions. Rail Services, said: “This is fantastic news At the Port of Grangemouth we have and this investment demonstrates the The Port of Grangemouth has opened the unrivalled position of being truly vital role rail freight plays in our economy a multimillion-pound rail freight hub interconnected for sea to rail and rail to and its importance in ensuring goods and welcomed its first service with sea, with the added flexibility of direct road reach supermarkets quickly and reliably. the arrival DRS’ (Direct Rail Service) access into Central Scotland and beyond. Rail freight reduces carbon emissions Aberdeen train. by 76 per cent compared to road and “We have invested over £30m in this new siding will allow even longer, The new dual rail siding of 775m, infrastructure and equipment over the heavier trains, further increasing their previously 200m, can handle the longest past five years and this new rail offering environmental credentials and meaning freight trains on the UK network. combined with our established port fewer lorries on our roads.” operations and streamlined customs Derek Knox, Senior Port Manager at The processes creates a unique solution More on Grangemouth on page 8.

Global centre of rail GBRf begins new Felixstowe- excellence on track for Wales Wakefield service

Plans for the construction of a new rail testing facility on a A new daily rail service has been introduced at Hutchison former opencast mining site at the head of the Dulais and Ports Port of Felixstowe. The new service is operated by GB Tawe Valleys have taken a giant leap forward, with some Railfreight and connects the UK’s largest container port with £50m Welsh Government support for the delivery of the Wakefield in Yorkshire. Global Centre of Rail Excellence (GCRE). The new service is the 13th operated by GBRf and the 12th daily The train, rail infrastructure and technology testing facility, will rail connection to destinations in Yorkshire. provide unique capability in the UK and Europe, to support innovation in the UK and international rail industry, including the Chris Lewis, CEO at the Port of Felixstowe, said: “Expanding testing of cutting-edge, green technologies. Welsh Government the number of rail services available to importers and exporters has been working in partnership with Neath Port Talbot and from the port is one of our key objectives. The Port of Felixstowe Powys councils to develop proposals for the GCRE, which will is the Northern Powerhouse’s major container gateway and be located on the site of Nant Helen open cast mine in Onllwyn, approximately 50% of traffic between Felixstowe and the North currently operated by Celtic Energy. moves by rail. Increasing the number of services is good for the port, good for our customers and good for the environment.” In order to deliver the first phase of the project, the Welsh Government has confirmed a £50m capital funding loan to be The train will initially comprise of a mix of wagon types, including given to Powys Council. Earlier this month the UK Government two Eco Triples, two Q8s and eleven IKA Twins. The combination pledged up to £30m funding to the project of a variety of wagons is significant, as it allows for enhanced flexibility, maximising the number of boxes that can be carried to In further milestone developments, a land option deal has been better satisfy consumer demand and make more effective use of completed for the sites at the Nant Helen surface mine and overall capacity. Onllwyn coal washery, which will see Celtic Energy gift all the land necessary for the project. A formal planning application will also be submitted this week for a purpose-built, modern railway infrastructure, systems and rolling stock test and validation complex. The facility will act as a driver for accelerated rail industry innovation, investment and growth in Wales. 7 May 2021 depot to three a week. This means an extra 90,000 tonnes of CEMEX increases capacity at material can be moved by train, taking trucks off the road and maximising the use of rail as a sustainable mode of transport. All Selby Depot to three services this helps support CEMEX’s climate objectives and minimises its a week impact on the environment. Dave Hart, CEMEX’s Supply Chain Director for UK and Together with Bowker, its logistics partner at Selby, and France, commented: “We continue to invest heavily into our rail Potter Space (owners of the business park where Selby is operations across the country, as this allows us to grow volumes located), CEMEX has invested more than £200,000 into new and increase the services we offer. The works at Selby were the rail freight infrastructure and facilities, ensuring the ongoing latest part of our development programme and it was fantastic to reliability of the service from this site and enabling the team partner with Bowker and Potter Space on the many improvements to increase the number of trains that can run a week. that have been made – improvements that will enable us to better and more safely support our customers. Considerable improvements have been made to the track that travels off the main line and into the Selby depot. Following the “Enhancing the sustainability of our business is a key priority and investment, around 70 per cent of the track has been completely the use of rail forms an important part of this – as every rail freight replaced, with other upgrades such as concrete sleepers made service removes trucks from the road and achieves additional to improve the condition of the track further, and the installation carbon savings. These investments help us to support CEMEX’s of new loading bays. climate initiatives and be a more responsible company.”

Additionally, Bowker have made significant investment in its Jason Rockett, managing director of Potter Space, added, stone discharge facilities at Selby; upgrading safety features to “Potter Space has a proven track record of working together go beyond legislative requirements as well as making significant with customers, so we were pleased to work in partnership with improvements to equipment and enhancing critical components both CEMEX and Bowker at our Potter Space Selby business increasing reliability. park. All three parties recognise the value and benefit of rail transportation, so we were delighted to jointly invest in the new Neil Bowker, Bowker’s Commercial Director, said: “The features, rail infrastructure to help meet the needs of CEMEX and support including new guards and fencing, are focussed on operator its long-term business plans.” safety; and in general, the improvements will deliver reductions in down time during critical discharge periods. The significant These improvements come as part of a wider investment into investment demonstrates the commitment Bowker have made to Selby, with £500k planned for three new bitumen tanks and a the CEMEX partnership.” reprocessed asphalt system. These will help to achieve further operating efficiencies and minimise waste while improving safety As a result of the developments made at the Selby site, the team and customer service. have been able to increase the number of services run from this

carriers. DP World invests £40m in • £3m to redevelop the yard for the storage and delivery of customers’ empty containers. Once completed this will increase Southampton capacity by 25 per cent and create more flexibility. • A new Border Control Post (BCP), including UK Border Force DP World Southampton has announced plans to invest some and port health inspection facilities, to enable multiple government £40m in further upgrading its facilities at Britain’s second agencies to expedite checks on cargo entering the country. largest container terminal. • A £1.5m extension of a quay crane rail by 120m to ensure that the world’s biggest cranes can service all berths at the The new infrastructure investment totalling £40m will include: terminal. Additionally, other quay cranes will be relocated or • The dredging and widening of berths to accommodate the decommissioned in order to maximise utilisation, speed up world’s biggest ships. quayside loading and unloading, and save customers’ time. • A £10m investment in a new class of eleven hybrid straddle 8 RFG Event Review May 2021 Scottish Conference 2021: Discussing the impacts of decarbonising rail freight and innovating for a green business future The themes of decarbonisation and innovation were evident during this year’s RFG Scottish Conference, with all the presenters emphasizing a strong positive outlook for rail freight in the years ahead. The event was held online on 24 March.

In his keynote speech, Michael Matheson, MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity, praised including underwriting a multi-user freight train running a circuit the industry’s “heroic efforts” in keeping supplies moving during Grangemouth – Inverness – Aberdeen, as well as passing loops the pandemic, saying he was impressed by the flexibility and co- and using passenger trains for freight, ordination shown by all parts of the sector. Shona Clive is project lead for the Scottish Rail Cluster project, He also highlighted the contribution of rail freight to Scotland’s which aims to help SMEs looking to diversify into the rail sector. Net Zero environment goals and economic growth., adding She explained that with 98% of Scottish businesses categorised that the recently published phase one recommendations of the as ‘small’ it was important to set up more ways for them to Strategic Transport Projects Review include small-scale gauge establish better links with the industry. Shona encouraged improvements to support rail freight. everyone to look at their website and consider how they can participate and support. Alex Hynes, Managing Director, Scotland’s Railways, said there had been £8bn of ongoing enhancement investment in rail from In the afternoon session, six RFG members gave short the Scottish Government since 2007 which was helping support presentations on innovative developments they were working on. a modal shift. He encouraged the rail freight industry to be Neil Sime of Victa Railfreight talked about the successful trial “candid and constructive friends as we are determined to be a but unique challenges of moving timber by rail, which had not better partner with you.” occurred in Scotland for 15 years before last summer.

He suggested that there may be fewer passenger train service Andrew Stirling of PD Stirling explained that two new services in the longer term which will create more opportunities for freight were being launched out of the Mossend terminal, including one and hoped that post-pandemic the system would be less biased traffic flow that was new to rail. towards passengers and more biased towards freight. Tarmac would have found it had to justify the investment in its Martin Jones, Deputy Director, Access & International new mill at the Dunbar plant if it was not able to rely on rail freight Economics, Markets & Strategy, Office of Rail & Road (ORR), and Chris Swan praised the support from Network Rail and said the challenges as the industry recovers from the pandemic Transport Scotland. are: revenue, speed and agility, and rail reform. Equally, he noted that rail reform will also present opportunities, along with Greg March of Orion, part of Rail Operations Group, explained improvements in performance and capacity. that using old passenger trains to transport express freight allowed services to run at 100mph and it was planning to The rail freight industry had been working towards a more launch a six days a week Anglo-Scottish service in the summer. environmentally friendly solution for some time, although not always recognising that, said Graham Preston, Head of Planning, David Turner of WH Malcolm said the 2020s would be the decade Efficiency and Innovation, DB Cargo (UK) Ltd. For example, the of decarbonisation but if rail freight was to prosper, companies Class 66s introduced years ago were greener than the locos they needed to be confident of network resilience in order to invest in replaced. He explained that DB Cargo is committed to further new facilities and rolling stock. Luigi Napolitano explained that improving their sustainability and are running trials to power locos Aberdeen Harbour Board saw rail links as a vital component with 100% renewable HVO fuel, which produces significantly less of the success of its new £350m South Harbour development, carbon that conventional diesel. which is at the heart of the Energy Transition Zone (ETZ).

The port of Grangemouth has invested £3m in its rail facility, These presentations highlighted the positive approach to rail including extending the sidings to dual 775m, and Ian Wilson of freight growth in Scotland, from businesses and Government. Forth Ports called for gauge enhance beyond the Central Belt to Whilst there are challenges to overcome, there is real optimism help it develop its rail services and secure rail corridors straight to in the potential of rail freight to support the Scottish economy and the customer. Ian noted the potential for a greater use of rail, and decarbonisation. the potential for greenport policy to support growth. Thanks to all our sponsors for their support, to all our presenters Paul Davison, AECOM, and Keith Fisken, Southeast of Scotland and all those who attended and participated. We hope that next Transport Partnership (SESTran), described the work they year’s Scottish Conference will see us all sitting in the same have been undertaking on sustainable freight transport. They room and making the traditional visit to a member’s rail freight suggested some ideas to maximise the potential for modal shift, site in the afternoon. 9 May 2021

Wembley Yard and returned to Tunstead closely with Tarmac and Network Rail Freightliner and as one train. to demonstrate the viability of running jumbo services from the Peak District. Tarmac success At 3,840 tonnes, this is the heaviest Transporting more freight on each aggregates train ever to have operated on train boosts both improvements to the in running super this route. Usually the trains transporting productivity and efficiency of services aggregates and construction materials and drives further environmental benefits heavy trains from the Peak District would carry up by reducing the carbon emissions to 2,400 tonnes. The additional volume of each tonne of freight moved. We Freightliner has completed the trial on this jumbo service represents the welcome the cross-industry support to running of a ‘Jumbo’ aggregates equivalent of over 110 HGV journeys trial these initiatives while demand for service between the Peak District and and a saving of around 89 tonnes CO2e passenger travel is reduced and look London for customers Tarmac. compared to road. forward to working in partnership with all stakeholders to secure these efficiency The reduced demand for passenger travel Working in collaboration with Tarmac and gains into the future.” has provided an opportunity to timetable Network Rail, Freightliner is now looking the 39-wagon jumbo train, transporting to carry out further trials of the jumbo train Chris Swan, Head of Rail at Tarmac stone and construction materials to concept across this route. Freightliner said: “Effective use of the rail network support critical infrastructure projects. also continues to work closely with is key in supporting the transition to Network Rail to identify opportunities to a net zero society, and collaborative Departing from the quarry at Tunstead in reschedule services to make better use of approaches are vital in helping the the Peak District, on Tuesday 16 March, a network capacity by running longer trains industry drive forward more innovation and single class 70 locomotive hauled the 39 that transport more freight or by speeding sustainable solutions. We’re delighted to wagons and a class 66 (for contingency up journey times, thereby making services see the successful trial of our first ‘jumbo’ and not under power) to Wembley Yard more efficient and productive and, in train transporting essential construction in North London, where the train was split doing so, unlocking greater benefits for rail materials from Derbyshire to London into two portions, with two separate trains freight customers and the UK economy. as part of our ongoing commitment to going onwards to terminals at Battersea supporting the delivery of a low-carbon and Paddington. After unloading at the two Tim Shakerley, MD of UK Rail Services at built environment.” • terminals, the wagons were re-attached at Freightliner said: “Freightliner has worked

container handling equipment at the terminal, consisting of five EMG celebrates first birthday loaded reach stackers and two empty container handlers to ensure industry-leading turnaround times. Maritime now sees an average Maritime Transport is celebrating the first anniversary of its 10,000 containers move through EMG each month, supported by Strategic Rail Freight Interchange at East Midlands Gateway more than 100 vehicles. (EMG). “East Midlands Gateway is an astounding success, and we are Located within SEGRO’s 700-acre development adjacent to East immensely proud of the milestones we have achieved in our first Midlands Airport, the 17-acre open-access terminal, capable year of operating the terminal which really highlights the commitment of handling up to sixteen 775m freight trains daily with storage and dedication of our drivers and staff,” said John Bailey, Managing capacity for over 4,000TEU, is the first to connect to the Castle Director – Intermodal and Terminals at Maritime. “It’s location, and Donington freight line, providing direct access to the network. unrivalled connectivity and facilities make it an ideal choice for businesses in the region and beyond, and we are confident that, Following its official opening in March 2020, EMG has seen with the increasing need for intermodal transport in the UK due substantial growth, and to date, operates six daily services to its cost-efficiency and green credentials, EMG will continue to including three to the Port of Felixstowe hauled by DB Cargo UK grow. We will continue pursuing our expansion ambitions to further and Freightliner, one to DP World London Gateway operated by solidify EMG’s status as the country’s most integral rail terminal, DB Cargo UK, and two services to the ports of Southampton and and look forward to supporting businesses across the nation.” Liverpool hauled by GB Railfreight. New service announcement page 13. Maritime has invested significantly in all-new top specification 10 Planning Update - Burges Salmon

political divisions continue to disrupt the subject and policy Planning Update reversals (or the potential for such reversals) create uncertainty. By Stephen Humphreys The ICE has suggested proposals that would encourage cross- Associate party consensus on the infrastructure planning process. Burges Salmon A final point to note is the ICE has asked what synergy there should be between the NIC and DCO decisions, included the NIC’s role in the National Policy Statements (i.e. the policy documents which shape the need and assessment of DCO proposals). Perhaps it would make sense for an independent body to assess and help shape the country’s infrastructure needs which are then pursued by successive Governments. In this month’s article we look at the Institution of Civil However, infrastructure development – given its economics, Engineers’ (ICE) review of, and consultation on, the size and scale – will always be a significant political issue. As effectiveness of the infrastructure planning regime such, it would be a brave move by the Government if they were and the first ever National Infrastructure Strategy to give more power and independence to the NIC. (NIS). We also look at the delay incurred by a number Following the close of the consultation, the ICE will make of offshore wind farm Development Consent Orders recommendations to Government on how to improve the (DCO) applications and provide an update on some new system of strategic infrastructure planning and prioritisation. DCO applications that have been submitted for consent.

Delays to Windfarm DCOs ICE launches consultation on NIS and the infrastructure planning system The examinations of the East Anglia One North and East Anglia Two offshore windfarms have been extended by three months, The National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) was proposed beyond the statutory six month period. They are now scheduled in 2013 by the Armitt review. Intended to be a focussed body to finish by 6 July 2021. The implications of the pandemic on the detailing the long-term outlook of the UK’s infrastructure needs examination process, the pandemic’s impact of the Examining (10 to 30 years ahead), it published its National Infrastructure Authority’s ability to examine the application and the fact that Assessment in 2018 followed by its first ever National there are two examinations being considered together were the Infrastructure Strategy in November 2020. Both provided reasons given for the delay. A separate DCO application, the detailed recommendations to Government to ensure there will Norfolk Boreas DCO, was also delayed beyond its due date. be no gaps in infrastructure requirements in the future and the It was due on the 12 April and it has now been delayed to an means to achieve ongoing economic success. The NIC was unspecified date. originally meant to be independent of Government but instead became an executive agency, whose recommendations the New DCOs accepted for examination Government committed to respond to (but not necessarily Highways England DCO applications for the A47 North adopt). Tuddenham to Easton and the A428 Black Cat to Caxton The NIS is focused on developing “Fairer, Faster, Greener” – Gibbet Road Improvement scheme have been submitted to mirroring the Government’s own current ambitions in its review the Secretary of State for determination and accepted for of the planning system (see the White Paper: Planning for the examination. Future). We reported here that the Government is seeking Accepted for examination on 12 April 2021, the A47 North to streamline the DCO process, particularly some forms of Tuddenham to Easton application proposes to upgrade the proposed development, and to broaden its application (i.e. to road to a dual carriageway, which would complete the dual include other development, such as housing within the regime). carriageway between Norwich and Dereham. The scheme is But no detail is available yet on what amendments to the system proposed to start in January – March 2022-23 and take two to will be made and it will be interesting to see how the Government three years to complete. The cost of the scheme is forecast to proposes to streamline the regime. There is a slight irony here be between £100m and £250m. too, as recently the Government seems to be struggling to issue decisions on time and within the statutory frameworks set out in The A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet Road Improvement the Planning Act 2008 (see below). Whilst these determination scheme application was accepted for examination on 23 March timescales can be extended they rarely have been in the past 2021. The proposed scheme would upgrade the route between for fear that they would erode confidence in the predictability of the Black Cat roundabout and Caxton Gibbet roundabout with the regime. a new 10-mile dual carriageway and a number of junction improvements and seeks to improve journeys between Milton The ICE is carrying out a review of, and consultation on, how NIC Keynes and Cambridge. operates and whether “our infrastructure planning system [is] fit for the challenges ahead.” It is also asking for comments on the NIC’s relationship with Government and whether its focus on “economic infrastructure” should be broadened, e.g. to include social infrastructure as well. The ICE says “the time is right to review the current components of the process and consider what, if any, improvements could be made to best support the delivery of stable long-term decisions on infrastructure priorities”. Contact Stephen Humphreys, Among the questions posed by the ICE include whether Associate further parliamentary involvement in the infrastructure planning Burges Salmon process is needed in order to reduce the uncertainty of policy [email protected] amendments. Although the NIC was established to address www.burges-salmon.com the political sensitivity of the infrastructure planning process, 11 Guest article - Simon Walton Railfreight.com

Timber growth for UK rail freight

By Simon Walton, UK Correspondent, Railfreight.com

A rail freight project which could move over 500,000 tonnes of timber out of Rannoch Forest in the Scottish Highlands has taken a major step forward. A new Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the Scottish government and private sector interests to construct a log stacking and timber loading facility, north Timber processing is an important part of the Scottish economy of Rannoch railway station, on the remote West Highland and provides products for the UK domestic and overseas markets Line. from plants like BSW’s Dalbeattie facility (BSW)

Timber was once a frequent load for rail freight in the UK, but timber plant near Inverness, supporters are very confident of Scottish flows had ceased by 2010. A successful trial last year this project making it through the demanding approval process. in the far north has prompted renewed interest. Now Forestry Any new rail facility would help achieve environmental goals Scotland, an agency of the Scottish government in Edinburgh, and be a good example of modal shift to using rail as a viable is working with commercial partners to establish a new flow in means for transporting timber. the West Highlands - on the line that has become famous as the route of Harry Potter’s Hogwarts Express. Benefits to all

No magic involved The memorandum of understanding has been signed by Scottish Forestry, BSW Timber Ltd, Fountains Forestry UK Not a wand, but a pen was waved to sign a new understanding Ltd, Lord Pearson of Rannoch, and Ferguson Transport and between various government and industry partners. The spell Shipping. The proposed timber loading facility is to be located should see new timber traffic brought to the UK railways. Plans on Lord Pearson’s land, north of Rannoch station. BSW Timber are underway to establish a timber handling station in the west Ltd will lead the construction and run the loading facility with of Scotland. the co-operation of the other partners. Tony Hackney, the chief The new facility will greatly reduce the need for up to 4,000 executive of BSW Timber said they project was certainly on its lorry trips that are estimated to take place each year using one way.“A tremendous amount of work has gone into the project fragile road that provides access to the forests in the area. This to date and there is still a lot to do, however our ambition has action is estimated to save on around 650 tonnes of harmful always been to rejuvenate the rail access to the site and with CO2 emissions annually. support from all parties this will happen. The benefits to road users in general will be great utilising a forestry resource which at this time is inaccessible.” Growth of rail freight preserves rural infrastructure Fountains Forestry will act as agents for the owners of a According to official sources, the next decade will see up to very large tract of commercial forestry which is located in the 50,000 tonnes of timber moved every year from Rannoch surrounding Rannoch area. The next step in taking forward the Forest. Timber is an important part of the rural economy, but project will consist of final discussions on the commercial deals the industry recognises that harvesting has to be conducted and design of the siding, followed by submission of the detailed in ways that minimise the impacts on local people and the planning applications and subsequent approval. Work will then environment. be tendered and agreements put in place which should be as With the success last year of the trial runs between early as this summer. Georgemas Junction in the very far north of Scotland, and a 12 May 2021 will also be a dedicated team of shunt part of the Cardiff industrial landscape GBRf and Celsa crews operating shunt movements on a for the last two decades and intends to permanent basis to ensure the smooth- build on our strong business foundations Steel sign running of the service. for many years to come, providing vital low carbon steel products for numerous long-term deal As part of the contract, all internal rail construction projects throughout the UK. movements will be undertaken by GBRf, Our success is guaranteed through strong GB Railfreight (GBRf) has announced including the transportation of inbound partnerships with those who want to come a new twelve-year contract with Celsa scrap metal for steel production, hot on our exciting journey and this long term Steel UK, the largest manufacturer of billets for processing into finished goods, contract with GBRf represents another steel reinforcement in the UK and one and outbound movements of finished step on our path to sustainability. of the largest producers of other long products. Furthermore, GBRf will assist steel products. Celsa with managing internal track and “We can be proud of our heritage and we wagon maintenance assessments that are look forward to overcoming challenges Building upon an existing relationship vital in keeping the service operational. together as we work to enhance our of ten years, GBRf will provide internal business and eliminate our carbon shunting services including a supply of Luis Sanz, CEO and Managing Director footprint.” remote-control shunt locomotives, train of CELSA said: “CELSA Steel has been crews and ancillary services. There

Six intermodal services now operate in and out of Maritime’s 17- Maritime Transport acre EMG terminal daily, connecting the East Midlands region with Felixstowe, London Gateway, Southampton, and Liverpool. announces latest rail To service its growing customer base and unprecedented demand for rail, Maritime has expanded its operational team on service at East Midlands site, from three employees in April 2019 to now ten employees in Gateway total, led by Rail Development Manager, James Tierney. Andrea Rossi, Chief Executive at DB Cargo UK: ”This new Following the recent launch of its Felixstowe to Wakefield service, which once again brings together two of the largest and service, Maritime Transport, has announced another new most successful freight companies in the UK, is a testament to addition to its expanding intermodal offering, a rail freight the successful partnership we have forged with Maritime, and service operated by DB Cargo UK connecting the Port of reinforces our commitment to keeping the nation on track during Felixstowe to East Midlands Gateway (EMG). these challenging times. We look forward to maintaining our close alliance as the industry focuses on modal shift, while delivering The new service, Maritime’s fifth to operate from the Port of sustainable solutions and innovation to our customers.” Felixstowe, commenced on Monday 15th March and runs five days a week from Tuesday to Saturday, bringing the company’s Chris Lewis, Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Felixstowe: total TEU availability per week to 8,000. T’he ability to move goods to or from ports by rail is an important differentiator for traders and this second new rail service in seven John Bailey, Managing Director – Intermodal and Terminals at days further extends the Port of Felixstowe’s lead in this field. Maritime, said: “Increasing our capacity and logistics efficiency Regular services are important in growing the share of traffic for our customers whilst reducing the need for our HGVs to choosing more sustainable intermodal options. This third daily travel millions of miles each year has always been a vital part of service to East Midlands Gateway boosts choice, reliability and our strategy. Our latest intermodal service has been introduced frequency for shippers in the Midlands and helps reduce further following high demand at Felixstowe and EMG, and really the carbon emissions of businesses in the region that use the underpins both Maritime’s and DB Cargo UK’s drive to offer more Port of Felixstowe as the gateway to overseas markets.” reliability and greater choice to the market.” 13 May 2021

Westminster Update - JR Consulting

net zero. That is simply the biggest challenge facing us in Is the infrastructure over the next 30 years”. How priorities within the bandwidth changed over time, would be important to monitor Government’s and understand. Mr Merriman noted that “big infrastructure projects around transport transport, such as HS2 and Crossrail… [are] well beyond their estimated date and their budget”. Why? Bridget Rosewell noted investment up that “the ones that tend to become most difficult are the ones that are the most difficult… across the globe”. She cited Great to the task of Western electrification as a bad example – “we do not really know what it is going to cost… we commit too early”. The complexity driving growth and inter-dependency of Crossrail project elements was also not properly understood at the start. Mr Spruce observed that and leveling up? “There is also a concentration on the initial capital cost. We talk a lot less about the whole-life costs and benefits and value”. ICE By Jonathan Roberts, Managing Director, JR Consulting. research favoured a focus on outcomes and the value of the infrastructure. The House of Commons’ Transport Select Committee Questioning and replies moved on to the narrowness of recently set itself a large task by inquiring about the methodologies used, “particularly on transport but probably Government’s 2020 budget commitment to £640 billion, elsewhere too”. Mr Spruce remarked: “We often deliver to be allocated towards investment projects designed to infrastructure in quite distinct silos: decision makers, client, drive growth and level up economic opportunity. consultant, contractor and the end user. Seeing it in those silos often leads to inefficiencies that the system delivers naturally. The Committee decided first to call two virtual panels to give It is a much more about collaborative effort”. If net zero and oral evidence, on 17th March 2021, to understand about four addressing regional inequalities were big challenges, then key elements: “outlining those outcomes is what we should be concentrating on”. • transport infrastructure strategy and priorities; Lilian Greenwood (Lab, Nottingham South), a previous • appraisal and funding of transport infrastructure; Transport Committee chair, asked if spending commitments • project oversight, accountability and governance; were consistent with the strategy’s high level objectives? James Heath thought they were, with a starter £27 billion being “about • factors affecting cost, capacity and skills required. 1.2% of GDP…The question is going to be, does that then Influences such as the Covid pandemic and decarbonisation materialise into a longer-term fiscal commitment… over a 20 or objectives are also relevant. 30-year period… on the public side”. The other half of investment was private, so regulatory models were also important. The first panel was from strategic infrastructure groups, and embraced the Institution of Civil Engineers and the National Lilian Greenwood pressed on the regulatory point, exampling Infrastructure Commission, with ICE Fellow, Jonathan Spruce, complex interplay between private sector involvement and actual and a Commissioner and the Chief Executive of the NIC, achievement of targets such as decarbonisation, which involved respectively Bridget Rosewell and James Heath. elements such as distribution infrastructure. Bridget Rosewell picked up this point, arguing for “Government supporting The second panel involved two practitioners with deep experiments and experimentation with manufacturers of freight experiences – Lord [Philip] Hammond, ex-Chancellor of the vehicles” and how might hydrogen be used (or not) large-scale. Exchequer and formerly Secretary of State for Transport, and “There are a lot of big issues”. Tony Meggs, ex-Crossrail Chairman and former Chief Executive of the Infrastructure and Projects Authority. Lilian followed up on the viability of five-year spending periods, what types of investment projects needed longer funding The full oral evidence is recommended as a serious read streams, and if expenditure commitments fitted well with the about the practicalities of defining and delivering policies. The desired 20-30 year outcomes? The replies were basically ‘it all evidence is linked here. The breadth of Committee questioning depends’. Mr Spruce: “Just because a strategy is set does not was inevitably wide, and basically asked in 64 questions if the mean that the programme of delivery should be set… Five years Government’s transport investment was up to the task of driving is definitely a start to give some certainty”, but a longer timescale growth and leveling up? was needed for “large-scale infrastructure such as connecting Because of the range and depth of questioning and replies, the major cities of the UK or the north of England, or some of we are splitting the reportage into two, with the first tranche the work around the midlands rail hub”, and, critiqued later on, covering the ICE and NIC responses. The next RFG Newsletter “We do not look at the wider benefits and the value in societal will summarise Panel 2’s responses. benefits “. Bridget Rosewell also argued for the context needing to be wider and longer term, even for tightly timed projects. The starting salvo from the Committee Chair, Huw Merriman (Con, Bexhill & Battle), was about the government’s bandwidth The discussion then shifted to ‘carbon pathways’ towards for tackling all this. NIC Commissioner Bridget Rosewell said 2050, and targeting of modal split. James Heath argued that it was now “all about the delivery side”. For the ICE, Jonathan widespread shift from cars to public transport was “way too big… Spruce didn’t think the bandwidth was too great, as “the The key policy challenge is as much about how you decarbonise long-term drivers, such as population change, net zero and vehicles as it is about how you modal shift people”. Bridget addressing regional inequalities, are there over that long-term Rosewell noted that “places where public transport works most programme”. There were “pieces around devolution that could effectively are in very dense large city centres. The main one of be strengthened… [but] the overriding issue will be around those we have is London. [Elsewhere] we have to be much more Continued over the page. May 2021 careful about the way we try to get either more active travel or -benefit analysis seem not to have been adopted. I do not know more use of buses… What we cannot say is no infrastructure… the extent to which that is true, nor do I understand the dynamics, that will be a disaster for people’s quality of life.” but I certainly would have thought that having a greater diversity of voices … would help to mitigate the risk that you may get a Greg Smith (Con, Buckingham) asked about the wider concentration of projects in particular parts of the country. I think impacts of ‘ Project Speed’, where he has two big projects in that is a reasonable assumption”. his constituency, HS2 and East West Rail, one hated and one broadly liked. He asked “how will Project Speed actually impact Bridget Rosewell: “One of the big problems has been the black on environmental considerations, local democracy, and the local boxes. Nobody understands the basis on which modelling has planning process? What impact will it have on real people on been done or how you have come up with a particular number the ground? Bridget Rosewell accepted the sensitivity of all that. for a cost-benefit analysis. It is completely opaque… We have She said “One is the way in which you set the project up and to unlock that. We have to open the books such that local explain the benefits… The second thing is how we manage the communities, politicians and analysts can come together to do myriad regulations that apply whenever you start a particular something a bit more sensible. The black boxes really get in the construction project, and the local interest in some of those”. way.” She favoured more applied thinking and care at the start of a Jonathan Spruce agreed: “The system potentially drives you project. that way. We do not set out clearly the strategic need and the A series of questions from Gavin Newlands (SNP, Paisley & value of the outcome of what we are trying to do. It goes back Renfrewshire North) about the suggested fixed link between to the discussion about HS2 and East West Rail… HS2 was all Northern Ireland and the GB mainland elicited little other than Mr about time savings at the start. It is not about time savings; it is Spruce’s views that “It comes down to understanding what the a transformational project that will be there for years to come. It strategic need for a fixed link would be. It is right that a feasibility will open up major opportunities. We never talked about that. We study is done of any major project. We would want to see the never set out the strategic need”. clear need for this fixed link. What are the outcomes that you are Ruth Cadbury (Lab, Brentford & Isleworth) agreed that “too many trying to deliver?” All answers were couched in terms of a link to transport projects in the past have been based on the notional Northern Ireland. No one dared to answer what a fixed link might value of the time saved”. “When will we have a better appraisal achieve, post-Brexit, between GB and Eire, nor between EU and process? Whose responsibility is it? Is it going to mean that we Eire via GB, nor even Eire, Northern Ireland and Scotland in rethink a lot of transport projects?” a devolution context... However the Scottish Government was welcomed for its effective strategy on rail electrification. Bridget Rosewell was sympathetic. “We are at the cusp of being able to, if you like, throw away some of the outdated ways… all Grahame Morris (Lab, Easington) asked about the relevance siloed and based on the future being the same as the past. Mr of transport investment for the leveling-up agenda. James Spruce agreed. “Some national transport bodies like Transport Heath replied that “transport is necessary, but it is definitely not for the North, Midlands Connect and England’s Economic sufficient to support regional growth and leveling up. The second Heartland have already set out their long-term strategies… The point is that transport’s role in supporting local growth will be Department for Transport has already picked a select number of more important in some areas than others”. Bridget Rosewell pilot projects, where it says, “How would you rewrite the business thought it was “getting the top down and bottom up to meet in the case based on the new Green Book?”. “It is quite interesting that middle that is our real challenge” for leveling-up. you are actually putting a lot more of that strategic need up front, Robert Largan (Con, High Peak) posed a ‘Green Book’ question so that you are almost three quarters of the way through before to James Heath. Did he think “the Green Book rules are fit for you get to the time-saving debate and what you are trying to do.” purpose to deliver leveling up and rebalancing the regional Ben Bradshaw (Lab, Exeter) asked “What can we learn from economy? If not, what…?” international best practice?” He exampled the recent lack of rail Mr Heath summarised the situation. “The updating of the electrification in England. Mr Spruce replied “We did not have Green Book is … designed to get greater alignment between a long-term plan for electrification of the network. Therefore, policy ambitions, so that Government take account of the wider the skills that supplied and delivered that disappeared from this economic and social benefits”. Secondly, there should be “much country. Restarting that programme was really difficult”. Long greater focus on the economic benefits and economic change term examples were quoted from Australia and Hong Kong. from the productivity and business flows that rail can deliver. Bridget Rosewell agreed: “I think it is the long-term delivery/ Uniquely, it does things that other transport modes do not. It skills development and creating the supply chain that Jonathan provides high-capacity transport for large numbers of people talked about… The other thing is being willing to spend the time into city centres from surrounding areas and other cities”. to sort out what the delivery problems are going to be before you “We have to focus on those transformational benefits, rather than start the project”. narrowly focusing on journey time savings for individuals. The Final point was from Jonathan Spruce: “The people who are issue is perhaps less the Green Book. The Green Book allows going to deliver the net zero infrastructure that we need by wider dynamic analysis. It is perhaps more that implementation 2050 are not sat around this screen today. They are not even in in practice and over-reliance on cost-benefit analysis has been our universities today. They are in our primary and secondary the problem”. This was backed up by other colleagues. schools today. That is a big target.” Robert Largan’s second query was: “Beyond the Green Book and cost-benefit analysis [it] would be interesting to get your thoughts on what kind of role politics and Whitehall culture play in key infrastructure decisions?” This also starts to lead Contact towards the second panel discussion! There was a large scale Jonathan Roberts of response to this question, almost pent-up in the nature of the Managing Director replies. [email protected] www.jrc.org.uk James Heath first: “There has certainly been some critique that a number of projects in the north of England with high cost 15 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 important events to its members. All details can be found at www.rfg.org.uk/events

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 RFG Awards Dinner, Latimer Estate. De Vere Latimer Estate, Chesham Hotel

23 September Joint event with Rail Forum Midlands Details TBA

6 October Rail Freight Conference 2021 The RFG’s Annual Rail Freight Conference will take place on 6 October 2021 at Addleshaw Goddards, Central London. Full details will be announced in due course.

19-21 October Multimodal Exhibition and RFG Group meeting at Multimodal.

10 November AGM and Group Meeting. RFG will be holding its AGM and Group Meeting on 10 November 2021. Details to follow.

8 December Xmas Lunch RFG will be hosting its Xmas Lunch 2021 at the Royal Lancaster. Details and booking to follow.

Catch up with our events We hope to build up the channel to share best practice case on our YouTube channel studies and better promote rail freight in the UK. If you would also like us to host your corporate or project videos Don’t forget to check out our YouTube channel, where we on there, please don’t hesitate to let us know. regularly upload the recordings of all of our webinars and other events such as conferences, our quiz and awards. Please email [email protected] for details. 16 May 2021

more rail freight, HS2 will help reduce carbon emissions, improve HS2: More capacity for rail air quality and make our motorways safer. freight animation The amount of freight carried by Britain’s railways in the first three

months of 2021 was more than 2% above pre-pandemic levels, HS2 Ltd has released a new trade-focused animation which according to the latest figures from the Office of Rail and Road. showcases how, by providing additional capacity on the Construction traffic, including the building of HS2, has shown the existing network, HS2 will enable more freight to move by largest growth. An increase of 32% in tonnes for rail freight is rail. forecasted by 2033, with intermodal tonnes doubling.

‘HS2: More capacity for rail freight’ demonstrates that, by allowing Click here to watch the video.

road haulage, supporting Tarmac’s from already congested roads around Tarmac & Forth commitment to reducing emissions and the capital but supports our customers creating a safer environment for other with the delivery of a more sustainable Ports set to create road users. built environment. We look forward to the UK’s largest official opening of the terminal and building Peter Buckley, senior vice president, on our relationship with Forth Ports over construction Tarmac, said: “Construction materials the coming years.” have a critical role to play in helping materials terminal deliver the major infrastructure and Charles Hammond, Chief Executive construction projects which are supporting of Forth Ports, owners of the Port of at Tilbury2 the UK’s economic recovery and long- Tilbury, said: “This is an exciting time for term development. Our agreement with Tilbury2 as we sign a significant, long term Forth Ports underlines a continued focus agreement with Tarmac to create the UK’s Tarmac has committed to a 25-year by Tarmac to develop industry leading largest construction materials terminal. partnership with the Port of Tilbury to facilities which will support these schemes, This facility will be a game changer in the build what would be the UK’s largest with the Build Back Better agenda and a coronavirus economic recovery campaign construction materials aggregates clear commitment to driving sustainability to Build Back Better and is a good example terminal. and enhanced efficiencies.” of high productivity investment adding value to raw materials. I am pleased that The long-term agreement follows a £250m Mark Wood, regional managing director, the signing of this agreement comes at pound investment made by Forth Ports at materials south at Tarmac, added: “We’re the same time as we have been awarded Tilbury2, the UK’s newest port. The facility delighted to have established a long- Freeport status, which will bring further is a purpose-built aggregate processing term partnership with Forth Ports. The investment and jobs to the area.” and manufacturing facility, strategically development of the new construction located to serve London and the South terminal demonstrates our commitment to Peter Ward, Commercial Director at the East, with multimodal connectivity. ensuring the long-lasting security of high- Port of Tilbury, said: “We warmly welcome quality aggregate supplies into London Tarmac to Tilbury2. This new terminal will The terminal will use the very latest and the South East. be truly multimodal, and this strategic technology and be capable of discharging location will ensure that the construction the world’s largest deep-sea vessels. “Using the Thames and local rail network industry in London and the South East The riverside location combined with as a means of transporting vital materials of England can have fast access to the a dedicated railhead means efficient to support the region’s infrastructure materials they require.” delivery of construction materials into ambitions, not only removes vehicles Central London without the use of heavy 17

May 2021 “The proposal of Germany will join similar ERFA supports measures which have been observed in a significant number of Member States since News in Brief plans to cut track the introduction of the European Regulation establishing measures for a sustainable rail • Railway workers in access charges market. ERFA believes the strong uptake of the the Netherlands have provisions of this Regulation by Member States announced a series of ERFA has said it strongly supports plans to – namely the possibility to waive and reduce strikes from Wednesday reduce track access charges for rail freight Track Access Charges - and the cross-industry to Saturday this week. in Germany by 98% from March 2020 until support for these measures, clearly shows that The strikes are organised the end of 2021, but warned it must not direct support and recapitalisation of individual by trade union FNV Spoor, adversely affect competition. rail freight operators should no longer be viewed because no agreement as a viable means of supporting and promoting could be reached with In a statement it said: “ERFA continues to rail freight. Recapitalisation of individual freight infra manager ProRail stress that such measures remain the best operators under national support schemes on a new collective labor means to support the rail freight industry should therefore not be allowed, be it directly agreement. For Saturday, through the pandemic in a fair, transparent or indirectly.” a 24-hour strike is on the and non-discriminatory manner. However, agenda. ProRail expects caution is needed to ensure that proposed Click here to read the statement in full. a lot of inconvenience for direct support to the incumbent holding railway undertakings. company does not result in cross- subsidisation or other activities.” • SNCF is reportedly set to sell its wagon management unit Ermewa. Following a competitive auction process, the SNCF Board of Directors has approved to enter into exclusive negotiations with a consortium consisting of CDPQ and a fund managed by DWS Group (DWS) with regards to the sale of Ermewa Holding SAS and its subsidiaries (Ermewa).

• Maersk has launched a weekly Asia to Southern On 15 March, Wascosa officially handed vigorous investment strategy to develop an Europe intermodal over 45 brand new EAMNOS wagons even broader wagon portfolio which now freight service. The first to Havelländische Eisenbahn (HVLE). includes virtually all relevant wagon types. We containers coming from The wagons were built at Greenbrier in are convinced that the critical size of a wagon Asia on this new regular Poland and were handed over on time in lessor is shifting ever upwards. Qualitative service arrived at the Wustermark, near Berlin. and quantitative growth is therefore essential, largest Russian port of together with the ability to successfully Vostochny on Sealand Peter Balzer, Managing Director of Wascosa complete our transformation into a digitalised vessels. On 22 April, commented: “As the fourth largest lessor of railway world. There is no time to lose here.” the containers were freight wagons, Wascosa will continue its dispatched by train from the Russian VSC terminal to NUTEP terminal at the port of Novorossiysk. Contact the RFG Team: From Novorossiysk, the cargo now resumes by • Maggie Simpson OBE, Director-General, 07737 007957 sea to destinations in • Phil Smart, Assistant Policy Manager, 07810 376201 Ukraine and Turkey. • Phillippa O’Shea, Administration Manager, 07931 763081 • Yvonne Mulder, Project Manager, 07887 767666 • James Falkner, Media Officer, 07753 271110 • Robin Smith, Welsh Representative, 07968 488905 • Mike Hogg, North of England Representative, 07833 402804

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