What Will Reform Mean for Britain's Railways?

148 HelpingNEWS ensure a sustainable future for UK rail freight July 2021

What will reform mean for Britain’s railways? Opportunity of a lifetime to grow freight if Great British Railways reform delivers on promises. P.3 First freight train for The Rail Freight Group (RFG) welcomed the creation of Great British Railways is a unique Port of Sunderland. publication of the Williams – Shapps Plan for opportunity to meet these ambitions if it ensures Rail, which offers the opportunity of a lifetime that private sector rail freight operators can to accelerate the growth of rail freight, flourish, and that customers and suppliers are helping decarbonise UK freight transport and encouraged to invest for growth.” meeting the needs of its customers. She added: “We look forward to working with Under the plans set out by Government a Government as they develop the detailed new organisation, Great British Railways, will proposals, including for reform of track access be created to plan and run the rail network, and a new role for the ORR. It will be essential incorporating Network Rail and passenger that the new structure and systems truly deliver P.4 services. Importantly, the new body will have a on their promise for rail freight.” statutory duty to promote freight, and a national Ports benefit from freight co-ordination team will be created to Reform has been widely welcomed across the 775m freight trains. improve the freight customer experience. freight sector. Eddie Aston, CEO for G&W’s Government will also set a growth target for rail UK/Europe Region companies, said: “We freight, as has been done in Scotland, and will welcome the publication of the Williams-Shapps issue guidance on its priorities for rail freight Plan for Rail. There are strong economic and periodically. environmental benefits of moving freight by rail and modal shift to rail will be crucial to support Maggie Simpson OBE, RFG Director General, the decarbonisation of the UK economy. We have said: “Businesses across the country are hungry engaged extensively with the Williams Review for more rail freight as they decarbonise their team over the last few years and are supply chains and build back the economy. The Continued over the page. P.6

GBRf runs first Stanton Gate service Porterbrook takes over Long Marston since 2009. and announces new Rail Innovation Centre Article on page 5.

P.7 iPort Rail secures rail freight customs approval. July 2021

RFG Director-General’s Update

goods moving, with longer trains and additional services where Now is the required. However growth in rail always comes with its challenges so we were pleased to see strong support from Government in perfect time for the recently published Williams – Shapps Plan for Rail. The White Paper, which sets out the blueprint for restructuring the railways, rail freight gives firm commitments to rail freight within the new structure, including a statutory duty to grow freight, and a central freight By Maggie Simpson OBE, co-ordination team. Director-General, Since the publication of the report we have been in discussion Rail Freight Group (RFG). with colleagues at the Department for Transport and Network Rail, including at our recent members webinar (link below). I have According to statistics from the Road Haulage Association, been struck by the strength of their commitment to making the the UK is presently short of around 65,000 lorry drivers. plans work for freight, and enshrining growth across the new A combination of a long-term structural issue, changes organisation. So although this is a significant programme of work, arising from Brexit and backlog of HGV driving tests arising and one that undoubtedly comes with some risk, rail freight has from COVID have brought the situation to crisis point, with much to gain if the reforms deliver on expectation. supermarkets now on the record about the delivery issues In recent weeks, it has been brilliant to meet up with some they are experiencing, and the impact on consumer supplies. members for the first time since the start of the pandemic. Disruption to supply chains has been a regular feature of the last Although we have become accustomed to Zoom and MS Teams, few years, with Brexit and COVID exacerbating underlying issues and indeed found good ways of making it work, there is no and impacting on all modes. Even now, global shipping remains substitute for real life conversations whether over the meeting disrupted with new port closures in mainland China where a table, at an exhibition or indeed over a nice glass of white wine. new wave of COVID is restricting activity. And with new customs Like everyone, we are waiting to see whether the final stage procedures going live at the end of the year at UK ports there of unlocking can go ahead, after which we will look to confirm could be more disruption to come. plans for our events in the Autumn. We have a reservations list open for Christmas Lunch and Awards Dinner so do get in touch No freight modes are immune to the impact of this. Supply chains with Phillippa O’Shea if you want to hold you place. Email her at are almost always multimodal to some extent or another, and [email protected] rail operations are and will be impacted, for example if ships are delayed or ports and terminals become congested, or if road Our annual RFG Conference with Waterfront is also open for driver shortages impact on last mile distribution. That said, rail bookings and offering a choice of booking options and you can freight has so far managed well through this period, and services find details here. Our webinar programme also continues with continue to run well, with traffic levels now exceeding pre-COVID details of upcoming sessions. You can find all the latest RFG levels in some sectors and regions. Events news here. Growing rail freight can certainly help to alleviate congestion in We look forward to seeing you online or, with a fair wind, in real life, at an event soon. other modes, particularly on longer distance routes. We have already seen an uptick in customers looking at rail options, and as we saw during the pandemic, rail was able to help keep

Continued from page 1. to provide an opportunity to level the RFG’s 2018 paper on rail reform can be playing field and really maximise the found here. • pleased to see the proposed statutory environmental and economic benefits rail duty for Great British Railways to promote freight can deliver. rail freight and that a growth target will be set. We look forward to working with the “Our industry has played a pivotal role new public body to ensure that the right during the recent pandemic and ensured contractual and regulatory framework is the seamless movement of goods to and in place that enables continued private- from Europe during the difficult Brexit sector investment, in order to drive transition period but we have so much modal shift to rail, increase the economic more to give in terms of helping the benefits to the UK economy and support Government to grow the economy and decarbonisation.” deliver on its net zero emissions targets. We will work hard to ensure that our Andrea Rossi, CEO of DB Cargo UK, compelling case for the further growth of added “We welcome the direction that the rail freight continues to be heard.” white paper provides and will continue to work with Government and other key RFG recently hosted a webinar that dived industry stakeholders to realise the true into the issues surrounding reform. The potential of rail freight here in the UK. event report is on page 10.

“For too long the points have been unfairly The Williams – Shapps Plan for Rail can set in favour of passenger train operators be found here or click the image. and on first reading, the proposals appear July 2021 Port steams News in Brief

ahead with • RFG’s Assistant Policy Manager Phil Smart was first freight recently interviewed by train in 20 RAIL magazine on rail freight traffic trends and years rail freight’s role in a booming construction sector. Read the full The Port of Sunderland has completed its road miles, congestion and most importantly, the interview here. first loading of a commercial freight service carbon emissions associated with so many traffic in two decades, following a multi-million movements.” • RFG was delighted to pound infrastructure upgrade. support Rail LIVE 2021. It With another train of the same size already was a great event and a Working with partners Network Rail and DB expected shortly, port chiefs are hoping freight rail key opportunity to get out Cargo, port chiefs waved away 21 wagons pulled services could become a regular service as the and meet colleagues face by a Class 60 Engine on 22 June. The wagons multimodal hub develops further opportunities for to face. A huge thanks to were loaded with steel coil, which was imported the significant rail infrastructure already in place. the organisers for a great by sea for customer Marcegaglia – one of the reception. world’s largest steel trading and manufacturing Andy Foster, business development manager, companies. Each of the wagons was loaded with added that there are other rail-related projects • PD Ports has joined six steel coils weighing up to 15 tonnes each, being considered: “The port is ideally positioned forces with the Tees with a total weight of 1,500 tonnes for the train. to offer a range of rail related solutions, from Valley Education Multi- cargo handling to the stabling and servicing of Academy Trust, to create Matthew Hunt, director at Port of Sunderland, both commercial and passenger trains. Our an Enterprise Charter said: “It is fantastic to see a commercial cargo development of the former Hendon Sidings site for children and young train being loaded in the port again, this is to form the Trinity – Rail, Road & Sea enterprise people across Teesside. something we have been working towards for zone, demonstrates the significance of being This shared commitment some time and the team here have been working able to offer a multimodal approach to our to do more for the region’s hard to have the port’s rail connections ready for business with a real focus on handling cargo young people will see PD such an operation. Loading cargo to trains can safely, efficiently and with the environment very Ports working to develop bring many advantages. This train alone removes much at the forefront of all we do.” new career-led learning the need for over 60 truckloads of cargo from our opportunities. roads - not only does this provide a cost saving for the customer, but it significantly reduces the • A huge thank you to everyone who supported the Railway Benefit Fund during Railway Family Week. RBF hit its £50,000 target, which enables it to help another 160 railway families this year.

• RFG has kept membership subscriptions at its current level since 2018 despite many increases in running costs and have now had to take the decision to make a small increase to The second session in RFG’s Innovation series looks at data: do we generate useful the annual subscriptions data? Do we use it effectively? Is there too much data? What are the successes of from 1 September 2021. a data-driven approach? Full membership will be increased from £1595 to Three speakers will look at different ways in which data is being used to increase efficiency £1695pa and Individual on the rail network. For example, by quickly identifying white space available on a route, membership will be by increasing the accuracy of demand forecasting, and by proving the commercial and increased from £250 to environmental benefits of an individual freight train (compared to an existing passenger £275 per annum. We do service). hope you will understand and if you have any Presenting at the event will be: Mike Garratt of MDS Transmodal; Martin Gleadow, Head of queries regarding IT & Technical Innovation 3Squared; and a speaker from Fishbone Solutions’ Innovation membership please Team. contact Phillippa O’Shea at [email protected]. Register in advance for this webinar here or by clicking the image above.

3 July 2021 DP World’s UK Port and Logistics Hub customers are first to benefit from Freightliner’s 775m trains

DP World Southampton and London Gateway have become the first in the UK capable of handling Freightliner’s new 775-metre intermodal container trains.

The longest in use on the national rail network, the new 775m trains are 250m longer than a typical freight train and carry between 12 and 14 additional containers on each service, generating significant cost and environmental benefits.

The trains depart the freight rail terminals at Southampton and UK roads each year, bringing significant environmental benefits London Gateway every working day of the week to Manchester, and we expect this number to continue to grow. Our aim is to Birmingham and Leeds respectively carrying a range of goods. be a partner in our customers’ business success, providing fast, reliable and flexible links to international supply chains and Ernst Schulze, Chief Executive of DP World in the UK, said: “I am markets. delighted that our customers at both Southampton and London Gateway will be the first in the country to benefit from the increased Eddie Aston, Chief Executive Officer for Freightliner and parent productivity and efficiency of these new 775 metre trains. Both company Genesee & Wyoming’s UK/Europe Region, said: “The ports already have a high degree of rail interconnectivity, with three daily roundtrip 775m intermodal trains that Freightliner is Southampton having the highest proportion of containers moved currently running from the Port of Southampton are collectively by train in the UK at more than 30 per cent and London Gateway saving over 4m road miles and 9,500 tonnes of carbon emissions aiming to achieve similar levels. every year, further contributing to the government’s commitment to bring all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.” • “The emphasis on rail across both ports takes 300,000 trucks off July 2021 Porterbrook takes over Long Marston and announces new Rail Innovation Centre

Porterbrook, the rolling stock owner and asset manager, has added the Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre to its portfolio of railway assets.

The Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre covers 135-acres, offering a two-mile circular test track and over 12-miles of secure train storage facilities, connected to the national rail network. Porterbrook plans to significantly invest and upgrade the on- site facilities to benefit customers and suppliers across the rail industry, as well as bringing new jobs and skills to the area.

The site is located just outside Stratford-upon-Avon, and falls within the Warwickshire, West Midlands and Midlands Connect Porterbrook CEO Mary Grant said: “I am delighted to bring Long boundaries. Long Marston is Porterbrook’s first operational Marston and its skilled people into the Porterbrook family. Our and delivery facility. It complements the company’s existing decision to add this extensive facility into our portfolio means London HQ and its East Midlands engineering design and asset that this site now has firm strategic direction and a secure long- management centre, located in Derby, at the heart of Britain’s term future. To meet the ambitions set-out by the ‘Williams- railway. Shapps Plan for Rail’ we need to have an unremitting focus upon sustainable delivery, innovation and collaboration. Porterbrook is Porterbrook’s existing partners, Chrysalis and the University of committed to supporting this ambition and our new Long Marston Birmingham, will remain on site. Over time, they will be joined Rail Innovation Centre will help achieve this.” by other businesses who share an ambition to transform Long Marston into a leading centre for railway innovation. The UK’s first hydrogen-powered train, HydroFLEX, will be based at Long Marston. The latest version of the HydroFLEX will be attending COP26 in Glasgow in November 2021. •

HS2 marks International Women in Engineering Day

HS2 Ltd has announced that it has been awarded the Platinum accreditation from Investors in People for its ‘We invest in Apprentices’ framework.

Platinum is the highest-level accreditation and is awarded to organisations who can demonstrate that their apprentices are treated ‘in a truly individual way’.

The assessment process, which included detailed interviews with apprentices, examined the measures that HS2 Ltd has put in place to support, develop, and invest in individuals to ensure that apprentices are given every opportunity to thrive.

Karen Davis, HS2 Ltd’s Talent Manager said: “We’re delighted to have achieved this accreditation for the high standard of learning, on the job training and support that we provide for our apprentices. An apprenticeship with HS2 is a unique opportunity, and we look forward to welcoming even more talented individuals into this business later this year to begin their career on Britain’s new railway.” •

For more information about careers, apprenticeship, and graduate opportunities within HS2 and its supply chain visit hs2.org.uk/careers.

5 July 2021 GBRf runs first Stanton Gate service since 2009 for Ward

GB Railfreight (GBRf) has operated the first loaded freight service from Stanton Gate since 2009 on behalf of Ward.

GBRf reacted to a late notice demand from Ward and was asked to transport in excess of 1,400 tonnes of fragmented steel to Immingham Dock. Previous trials had been run at the site to prove the ability to transport bulks services following significant infrastructure work.

The site at Stanton Gate was recently acquired by Verdant Carl Kent, Head of Sales at GB Railfreight, said: “The acquisition Regeneration, a joint venture between Ward and Trust Utility of such a large site by Verdant JV will help breathe new life into Management. The team has plans to transform the former steel the local area and we hope further opportunities for sustainable works – one of the largest potential development sites in the East freight by rail. Midlands – into a thriving national distribution, logistics and rail freight hub for the Midlands, to be called New Stanton Park. “The commitment that Ward have shown to developing new rail freight has been impressive and we have worked with them to The service is further proof of GBRf’s reliable and resilient promptly respond to their demand. If all parties involved are customer service, which once again delivered for its commercial committed and work collaboratively, there is no reason at all that partners at a moment’s notice. Having already run trials to prove new to rail freight activity from dormant freight estate need take its credentials, the GBRf team showed how it can turn around many months or years to deliver.” • services such as this in a short space of time and that it will stop at nothing to meet customer demands.

Engagement team in 2020. The including launching the first of ten HS2 launches SME free-to-join webinars attracted over giant tunnel boring machines on the 500 delegates and helped local Birmingham–London section of the route. webinar series communities understand the scale of This progress and momentum is creating the opportunity on HS2, and how to brand new supply chain opportunities, HS2 Ltd is holding a series of weekly bid for upcoming contracts. and this year’s ‘Work with us Wednesday’ webinars to ensure British businesses events are designed to make it easier for benefit from over 400,000 contract Since that time, HS2 has received the local businesses to find out how to get opportunities that building Britain’s green light from Government to extend involved. new high-speed railway will create. the railway to Crewe, marking the start ‘Work with us Wednesdays’ were of HS2’s journey north. It has also The one-hour webinars run until 14 July. first introduced by HS2’s Business celebrated major construction milestones, Click here for details.

it is achieving this, and stability for investment during a ORR begins rail period of change.

infrastructure planning for PR23 will respond to the challenges facing the railway, 2024-2029 and the planned reforms as the Williams-Shapps Plan is implemented. It will support the delivery of a more integrated On 17 June, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) launched railway that delivers improvements for customers, both the process for determining the funding needed for passengers and freight. Britain’s rail network from 2024-2029. The focus for the periodic review will be focused around The 2023 Periodic Review (PR23), sets a five-year safety, performance, asset sustainability and efficiency. settlement that will determine the level of funding the infrastructure owner (Network Rail/Great British Railways) Dan Brown, ORR’s director of strategy and policy said: ORR’s should receive for its operation, maintenance and renewals five-year funding settlement for Britain’s rail infrastructure activities and what, in return, it should be required to deliver will ensure long-term investment to deliver reliable services from this over five years from April 2024, known as Control for passengers and freight users, and value-for-money for Period 7 (CP7). customers and taxpayers. I’m pleased that the Williams- Shapps Plan for Rail confirmed its commitment to PR23, ORR’s process will also provide a framework through and today’s letter begins our process for assessing Britain’s which ORR will hold the infrastructure owner to account for railway infrastructure needs from 2024-2029 as we work delivering these during CP7. together to deliver these ambitious reforms.” •

The UK government has indicated in the Williams- Full statement at the above link. Shapps Plan for Rail that Great British Railways will be held to account for delivering commitments that Network Rail enters into for CP7. This ensures there is clear accountability for delivery and transparency about whether

6 July 2021 GBRF signs new deal with AP Moller Maersk

In May, GB Railfreight announced a new two-year deal with A.P. Moller –Maersk, the first rail collaboration between the two companies.

The service will operate from Felixstowe to Newell & Wright in Tinsley and will consist of daily trains, five times a week. The new built facility at Tinsley will bring new exciting opportunities to the market.

This new agreement sees GBRf operating from a new terminal, in Tinsley, but is a continuation of a longstanding relationship with Newell & Wright, whom GBRf have long worked with. •

Photo by Joada Allen

also has an area for UK Border Force consider Channel Tunnel rail services for iPort Rail secures authorities to examine and take account getting their goods into and out of Europe. of goods. iPort Rail has secured HMRC As well as reliability and sustainability first rail freight Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) factors, shorter journey times outside customs approval status which demonstrates its adherence customs controls and the ability to store to high standards when it comes to freight bonded goods can be an advantage. iPort Rail in Doncaster has become movements. the UK’s first Strategic Rail Freight “In time we hope to coordinate our services Interchange (SFRI) to be given iPort Rail is one of the UK’s fastest growing with partners in the new freeports but until government approval for an on-site rail freight terminals and part of the 800- then, our new customs facility can operate customs area. acre iPort multimodal hub being developed independently and is ready to start helping by European logistics real estate specialists businesses immediately.” As a result, businesses can now clear Verdion. Since opening three years ago it customs in South Yorkshire and move has built up eight daily services to and from Commenting on the announcement, Phil goods through the Channel Tunnel by UK seaports, moving around 500 containers Smart, Assistant Policy Manager, Rail rail in both directions, avoiding UK road per day, connecting global businesses with Freight Group, said: “Since its opening, congestion and sea port disruption. It has UK markets and helping UK businesses iPort Rail has gone from strength to been set up to benefit shipments into the export to the rest of the world. strength. Becoming the UK’s first Strategic UK and exports to European and wider Rail Freight Interchange to become a rail international markets. Steve Freeman, Managing Director, iPort customs area shows how it is continuing to Rail, said: “Rail freight is an underused set new benchmarks for the industry. This The new customs capability includes a resource in the UK. Each train can take investment will help businesses become temporary storage facility creating an more than 70 HGVs off the road and more sustainable by switching to rail, and approved area where inventory-linked it’s especially efficient for long distance it is vital that this is matched by investment goods under customs control can be held journeys as well as being greener. Being in capacity and capability of the rail network until they are released to free circulation, able to clear customs in Doncaster should as we look to decarbonise supply chains.” • with duties charged on release. It be a greater incentive for businesses to

7 July 2021

in each direction. GBRf now operates the extra capacity created by the BIFT Maritime Transport eight intermodal services into Maritime’s to London Gateway flow reinforces the rail terminals in Manchester, Wakefield, vital role rail freight is playing in delivering launches new link East Midlands Gateway, and BIFT. goods sustainably around the country.” between West John Bailey, MD Intermodal and John Trenchard, UK Commercial and Midlands and Terminals, Maritime Transport: “This new Supply Chain Director, DP World London service is an important milestone in the Gateway: “Maritime’s third service into London Gateway expansion of our intermodal offering, and DP World’s smart logistics hub at London reflects our passion and commitment to Gateway will enable more customers to Maritime Transport has announced a opening up new routes to our intermodal benefit from fast, reliable, and flexible links new rail freight service operated by customers with fast, reliable, and cost- to international supply chains and markets. GBRf, connecting DP World London effective end-to-end solutions. As we We are uniquely-placed to provide the Gateway to Maritime’s intermodal see high demand for regular intermodal right trading infrastructure and smart freight terminal in Tamworth (BIFT). services from BIFT to the major ports logistical solutions for our customers, and in the south, we look forward to working are delighted to see Maritime expanding The new flow, which aims to deliver alongside GBRf and DP World London its intermodal service provision from its freight users a secure, direct link to vital Gateway together with a service that industry-leading terminal in Tamworth, consumer and manufacturing regions in offers enormous potential.” which complements our own state-of-the- the West Midlands and South of England, art terminal operations.” • commenced on 28 June and runs six John Smith, MD, GBRf, said: “Together days a week from Monday to Saturday with the seven intermodal services we with a total transport capacity of 87 TEU already operate for Maritime Transport,

NCATI and University of Introducing the Class 321 Birmingham work to enhance Swift Express Freight transport and infrastructure train – high speed goods education transport by rail The new National College for Advanced Transport and 20 July 2021 – 12.00 pm |Webinar Infrastructure (NCATI) has now been launched. It will form part of the University group, and has a target focus on As the e-commerce market continues to grow so has creating Britain’s future highly skilled rail, transport and the demand for next day deliveries. Coinciding with an infrastructure workforce. increased focus on climate change and decarbonisation of transport modes, there is a need to deliver goods in NCATI will draw on the University’s internationally recognised the most environmentally friendly way. Eversholt Rail has rail expertise and, with strong industry partnerships, will help responded to this need and developed the innovative address the sector’s skills gaps in the Midlands and the North. Class 321 Swift Express Freight train which will provide a cost-effective and low carbon solution for transporting Ian Fitzpatrick has taken up the post as principal and will be goods across the UK. Find out about the challenges and leading the college in its mission to be world-class in the provision opportunities. of national education outcomes in those sectors.

Register in advance for this webinar here. At state-of-the-art campuses in Birmingham and Doncaster, the new NCATI will provide high quality education and training, After registering, you will receive a confirmation email including apprenticeships that specialise in Railway and containing information about joining the webinar. • Transportation Engineering.

Further information can be found here. • 8 July 2021 military service, he joined the Railway Inspectorate – now part of the Office of Rail and Road – a move he viewed as an honour and privilege. He was the last Royal Engineer to take such route, spending 25 years in the role as a Railway Inspector. His work included inspections of heritage railways and dealing with accidents and incidents such as the Severn tunnel rail accident and the Cannon Street rail crash both in 1991. • Dunelm Group takes new lease at DIRFT

Life of former inspector of Dunelm Group has agreed a 10-year lease for a new warehousing unit at Daventry International Rail Freight railways celebrated Terminal (DIRFT).

GB Railfreight and the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) have The homeware retailer is set to move into the 190,000 sq. ft honoured the last Royal Engineer officer to be appointed facility near Crick called DC4 once construction completes in a HM Railway Inspector, Major John Poyntz, by naming a September. locomotive after him.

Tom Price, capital deployment and leasing associate at Prologis GB Railfreight’s Class 66 train – 66764 – will take the name of the UK, which operates DIRFT, said: “Prologis has a longstanding former inspector, who died in November 2020 aged 82. His life relationship with Dunelm, so it’s brilliant to be working with the was celebrated at Rail Live on 16 June, where the unveiling was company again and helping to expand its operations at DIRFT. To announced in front of a socially distanced crowd. let DC4 in advance of the building’s completion shows just how strong demand in the market is for well-located logistics facilities, Major John Poyntz was in the army for 35 years, serving with the close to vital road and rail links.” Royal Engineers and later the Royal Corps of Transport. After

the construction industry and manufacturing. emphasis on the resources of Norfolk. The DCRail doubles up The commercial benefits have been low-lying and largely rural east of England underplayed in favour of the environmental is better known for its agricultural produce, on new aggregates advantages. DCRail claim the movements rather than its mineral wealth. However, flows across UK will remove 110 long-distance road truck DCRail is taking train loads of sand from movements each week. the loading facility at Middleton Towers, By Simon Walton near King’s Lynn, for weekly delivery to St “This week saw the successful first DCRail Helens for use in the manufacturer of glass.. DCRail, the Derby-based bulk transfer delivery of sand into St Helens”, said David “Well done to everyone at DCRail for all the specialists, have celebrated the start of Fletcher, the director of rail at Cappagh hard work that has gone into starting this June by announcing two additions to their Group of which DCRail is part.. “This will be new traffic over the last few weeks”, adds portfolio of operations. The company a weekly service that will see a reduction in Fletcher. posted pictures and commentary on lorries traversing long distances across the flows from the north west to east of country, providing positive environmental DCRail’s continued use of the infrastructure England and in the opposite direction to benefits for the whole supply chain. serving the sand loading silo has helped Merseyside. Alongside this we have also started moving retain the remains of the once busy main limestone from the Peak District into East line that ran eastwards to the market town Construction and aggregates traffic is not Anglia. of Dereham and eventually the county seat just confined to the booming London and of Norwich. South East. DCRail, have announced Saving the remains of the main line successful operations which cross the While the quarries of the Peak District in Photo by David Fletcher country from West to East supporting both Derbyshire are well known as sources Published in Railfreight.com of construction materials, there’s less 9 RFG Event Review July 2021

Event report: Where next He added that the freight directorate must have the ‘ethos of the logistician’ at its heart and work closely and in stronger partnership for Rail Reform? with the market to deliver growth. Its ambition is to deliver upon the growth forecasts which see the doubling of freight volumes in The recently published Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail is the next 10-15 years. the start of a journey, setting out the vision and principles for reform, Charlotte Clarke, Deputy Director, Rail Reform, IGM targets include developing a market development plan and Department for Transport, told attendees at a RFG webinar centre for rail freight advice, as well as a new suite of incentives on 23 June. for ria freight including modal shifts and decarbonisation.

There is a lot of work to do through detailed engagement with the In the Q&A session, Charlotte said that the department anticipates sector to design and deliver the reforms, she explained. But there it could be late 2022 before a bill to implement the reforms is is no doubt that a key outcome will be to bring track and train introduced, due to the scale of work involved – not least the in- together with Great British Railways (GBR) acting as a guiding depth consultation with all stakeholders. mind for the system with a single national leadership. She explained that it was recognised that a new organisation There are eight chapters in the White Paper including one titled: was needed with a new culture and different set of skills. It will “Unleashing the private sector potential - how to support freight, not just be a rebranding of Network Rail. digital connectivity and the supply chain”. Ed explained that the crux of the reform is a new structure that Charlotte said there is a commitment to have greater opportunities allows decisions to be made in one place. He gave the example for rail freight growth and strong safeguards put in place to ensure of looking at a passenger service with very few users and being freight operators receive fair access to the railway. GBR will able to consider that running a freight service in that path would have a statutory duty to promote rail freight and the government be of greater public benefit by taking lorries off the road. acknowledges that rail freight is integral to its ambitions related to Net Zero carbon targets. That raised the question of the arbitration role of the ORR. The new access regime will be underpinned by legislation but the There will be a single point of contact for the freight business, question would be asked “what do freight operators need from with the creation of a national freight co-ordination team. ORR?”

Ed Wilson, Programme Director [Freight Reforms], Network Both speakers emphasized the importance of engagement with Rail, said there would be no immediate sudden changes from a all stakeholders in the freight sector, so RFG will help promote all structural perspective and so a transition team is being set up to opportunities for members to be involved in the discussion and develop the Interim Guiding Mind (IGM). we will run regular ‘update’ webinars on this.

One of its roles is “to develop and deliver a freight offer that is You can access the presentations below and a recording of the consistently the economically and environmentally compelling webinar here. mode of choice for its customers”. Both presentations are available on the RFG website. • Ed explained that the current thinking, and subject to ministerial approval, is to develop a freight directorate operating model in the IGM, creating a single point of accountability across the public institutions for developing rail freight, ultimately bringing together all the decision-making levers into a single place. 10 RFG Event Review July 2021

International Rail Freight Terminal) which it took over in 2006, Event review: Do we eleven years after it opened. need more rail-linked It developed warehouses with dedicated rail terminals for Tesco, then Sainsbury’s and Eddie Stobart, as well as a multi-user facility warehousing? and is now working on DIRFT 3, with a Royal Mail warehouse under construction. SRFIs (Strategic Rail Freight Interchanges) are a very significant success story, Peter Frost, managing director, He said DIRFT 3 will have 7.8m sq ft of industrial B8 development, Kilbride Group, told attendees at a recent RFG webinar. Co- 800m sidings to handle longer trains, handling up to 32 trains per locating warehousing with rail facilities is proving to be a day and 500,000 container per year. He highlighted the benefits good model for users, and for growing rail freight. that tenants see from being in rail linked warehousing including sustainability, reliability and accessibility. Recent research shows that the level of demand for ‘big sheds’ (large warehouses) is high and increasing, and those built on rail- Guy Bates, head of freight development, Network Rail, said NR linked sites are seen as a particularly good investment, producing sees SRFIs as absolutely necessary for modal shift but noted record levels of yield. that there needs to be alignment between the necessary rail network capacity and the development of new sites. He said that research showed that every new house creates the demand for an extra 69 sq ft of warehousing in order to service Nick Gallop of Intermodality said that even if all the SRFIs , the inhabitants of that house in terms of both internet and general including those which exist through to those that are still in the retail sales. very early planning stages, were added up, they still cover only 15% of the market for big sheds in the UK. But there is a good SRFIs are defined as locations with 5-8m sq ft of warehousing environment for rail at the moment and so we should all seize with a large intermodal terminal at their core. They are expected the chance to push for rail to be higher on the agenda when to generate 10 – 15 new freight trains a day within ten years, with warehousing is planned. newly opened sites already ahead of trajectory to meet this. To watch the webinar click here. • David Mellor, Director, Project Management, Prologis, talked about the work that the company is doing at DIRFT (Daventry

Save the Date:

11 July 2021

Transporting waste by rail is a key John Smith, MD at GBRf commented: “We GBRf works strategic aim for Biffa which is working are delighted to be working with Biffa on towards transporting 50% of all its waste this project and our collaboration will see with Biffa to turn by rail by 2025. Since it launched its us move thousands of tonnes of waste in strategic partnership with GBRf in 2018, a sustainable way. This is the way forward derelict land over a million tonnes of waste have been if we are to reach the net zero carbon transported by rail, saving more than emission target by 2050 and we look into emission one million tonnes of CO2 equivalent forward to continuing our partnership with emissions from reaching the atmosphere. Biffa in the months and years to come to reducing ensure more waste can be removed by Mick Davis, Chief Operating Officer rail.” transport hub for Resources and Energy Division at Biffa said: “The opening of our new rail Biffa has spent £4.2m developing the site, Previously unused land in East London hub marks the next step in our strategic removing 14,000 tonnes of previously fly- has been transformed into a transport partnership with GBRf to increase our tipped waste and debris. Renwick Road hub, linking key waste sites with capacity for transportation by rail. It will has always been a railway yard, with its leading waste manager Biffa’s facilities help us reduce dependence on vehicles earliest record dating back to 1864. It by rail. The new Renwick Road site on the road and reduce the emissions we fell out of use in 1991 and has remained opened recently in partnership with GB produce. The site was totally derelict when unused until now. Operating five trains Railfreight (GBRf) and will be able to we took it on and amongst the rubbish a week, Renwick Road will transport transport 250,000 tonnes of waste from and debris we cleared, we actually found waste from North and East London to London by rail. some interesting items, including one and sites at Roxby, Scunthorpe, Leeds and a half tonnes of World War Two bullets.” Manchester. •

Continued Golden Whistle success for DRSv

Direct Rail Services (DRS) has been named ‘The Best Performing Rail Freight Operator’ for the eighth year running at the Golden Whistle Awards.

Now in its 12th year, the awards, organised by the Institute of Railway Operators and in conjunction with Modern Railways Magazine, celebrate operational excellence across the rail industry.

The prestigious Golden Whistles are awarded on the basis of operating statistics and DRS has been, yet again, recognised as the UK’s most reliable freight operator. In April this year, DRS joined forces with their fellow Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) transport subsidiaries, International Nuclear Services and Pacific Nuclear Transport Ltd, to create Nuclear Transport Solutions (NTS) bringing together its transport expertise and capabilities into a single transport division. •

12 Guest article - PD Stirling

Phase 1 of Mossend International Caption: Pictured are (l-r): Andrew Stirling, Director, PD Stirling; Lee Railfreight Park (MIRP) given the Wayper, Project Manager, Sir Robert McAlpine; David Cross, green light Consultant for PD Stirling; David Stirling, Director, PD Stirling; Andy By David Cross, detailed proposals and layout of the rail Logan, Managing Partner, Robb Consultant for PD Stirling. freight terminal including cross docking Ferguson; Cllr Allan Graham, transit building, secondary buildings North Lanarkshire Council; Andy The Phase 1 plans for Mossend plus electric automated overhead Hall, Head of Corporate Banking in International Railfreight Park (MIRP) gantry cranes (RMG) and associated Central Scotland, Barclays; Allan have been unanimously approved by infrastructure. Conroy, Enterprise Development North Lanarkshire Council’s Planning Manager, North Lanarkshire Committee. The planning and design team worked Council. closely with the Council’s planning MIRP represents a major new low service to ensure that plans addressed carbon, multimodal rail freight facility, issues of local amenity and support located in the heart of Scotland. It will The development comprises the new rail new investment that will help to deliver provide 2.2 million sq ft of logistics space freight terminal and rail freight park plus quality jobs and inclusive employment and Scotland’s first 775-metre electric a new A8 road access. The new link road opportunities. rail terminal, accommodating 16 trains will link the terminal to the A8 ensuring all per day as part of a 24-hour a day, 7 days The new Mossend International traffic is taken off the local Bellshill road a week operation. Railfreight Park terminal constitutes network to the benefit of local residents. Scotland’s newest Strategic Railfreight The Phase 1 application covers the David Stirling, Director of Mossend Interchange. International Railfreight Park operator Peter D Stirling Ltd, said: “The MIRP Phase 1 planning approval is a major milestone in advancing the Mossend International Railfreight Park and providing a modern multi-modal logistics solution for businesses based locally as well as across the UK and Europe. The development as a whole involves £260 million of investment over a number of phases and provides some 200,000 sq m of low carbon, distribution, logistics and manufacturing space.” •

For more details on the Mossend International Railfreight Park go to https://mirp.co.uk

13 July 2021 PD Ports boosts Scottish rail freight service to support customer demand PD Ports has expanded its rail freight network to include a new connection at Elderslie, West Central Scotland.

This route is an extension of the existing Teesport to Doncaster service, dedicated to longstanding customer Containerships and operated by PD Ports, in conjunction with GB Railfreight. The expanded network will allow for the deposits of empty containers Group, Containerships doesn’t spare and collection of new cargo in Elderslie, Grangemouth. any effort to meet our customers’ needs ready for export via Teesport. Jonathan Paine, Chief Land Officer at through tailor made solutions reducing the environmental footprint of goods’ transport, The new connection will further enhance Containerships, said: “The first months of on our path toward becoming carbon the initial service offering and allow for the this important rail service were a success neutral by 2050.” incorporation of new supply chains whilst and we’ll keep striving towards establishing adding to the already well-established, further dedicated rail services throughout daily routes from Teesport to Mossend and our business. As part of the CMA CGM

Class 321 Swift Express Freight Train now ready

Eversholt Rail has unveiled the Class 321 Swift Express Freight train. The conversion began in early 2021, with Eversholt Rail, supported by Ricardo and Wabtec, carrying out the works at Wabtec’s Doncaster facility. The programme to convert the classic Class 321 into an express freight train has now been successfully completed and the train is service-ready.

The Class 321 Swift Express Freight trains will provide a cost- effective and low carbon solution for transporting parcels around the UK. The train has been designed to maximise capacity for parcels and light goods whilst ensuring the interior is flexible to meet individual customers’ operational requirements. The scope of works includes removal of passenger features, installation of new flooring and industry standard fixings throughout.

RFG will soon be hosting an event to go into more detail and explore the benefits.

would preclude the use of the route by freight services. This East West Rail Central includes both the design of the central section, and also capacity decisions on parts of the existing network where Section Consultation freight might or indeed does operate. RFG was pleased to respond to the consultation on the The route has the potential to support commercial rail freight East West Rail Central Section. services including cross country intermodal services from Port of Felixstowe and construction trains which could deliver RFG recognises that a final decision has not yet been taken materials for the significant infrastructure development by East West Rail Co and DfT regarding the use of the route expected across the Oxford – Cambridge arc. for freight traffic. Nonetheless, it is imperative that the design of the route is capable of supporting commercial freight Read the full response here. • services, and that decisions are not taken at this stage which

14 July 2021

Westminster Update - JR Consulting Oversight of Premature announcements vs. long project timescales Lilian Greenwood (Lab, Nottingham South) noted that major big projects transport infrastructure projects often take a long time. She asked whether the electoral cycle created political pressures for by politicians big projects. and project Lord Hammond accepted there was an issue “about politicians feeling the need to announce infrastructure spending”, and organisations to “announce a delivery date and a price tag”. On HS2, Lord Hammond had thought there was “groundbreaking, rapid

progress work in 2010, yet here we are with, I think I am right By Jonathan Roberts, Managing Director, JR Consulting. in saying, not a piece of rail laid a decade later”. He supported devolution of decision-making “where there are units to which In the past RFG News (Issue 147), we covered the Commons decision making can be devolved that are clearly capable of Transport Select Committee’s first session on 17 March, managing and making those decisions”. Unfortunately, this about the appraisal and delivery of major transport didn’t apply universally. infrastructure projects. “Many of the big linear projects that typically the Transport We follow this coverage with a summary of the second session. Committee will be looking at are not susceptible to local or The witnesses were Lord (Philip) Hammond of Runnymede, regional decision making. They are strategic national projects, the former Chancellor and previously Secretary of State for and because they are network projects they have to be Transport, and Defence Secretary, and Tony Meggs, former conceived at the network level and not at local level.” chairman of Crossrail and previously chief executive of the “There has to be a different way of dealing with, for example, a Infrastructure and Projects Authority in Government. So this pot of funding that is intended for local transport infrastructure session offered insight into political and project authorisation improvements versus a pot of funding that is about making topics. strategic interventions in the national network… at project There were multiple issues to be queried. The first was the effect management and project prioritisation level, it seems to me that of the UK political process and the democratic process, where for local transport projects more devolution would be a good the Committee chair, Huw Merriman (Con, Bexhill & Battle) thing generally”. invited early reactions, about projects where political pressure Tony Meggs agreed that “whenever premature announcements was pushed for sign off despite the lack of a great business are made, they are damaging… announcements of cost and case. budget then become boundaries.” He referenced Crossrail: “They were so fixed on delivering on 9 December 2018—a day that was fixed some 10 years earlier—that they lost sight of what Difficulties in valuing strategic benefits it took to get it done.” He saw increased use of ranges now. Replying, Lord Hammond noted that the UK had a very elaborate engagement process, which was a big driver of cost, uncertainty and delay in any linear transport project. He saw the Civil service influence on infrastructure decisions main problem as being that while it was relatively easy to assess Robert Largan (Con, High Peak) probed the influence of specific benefits with the old Green Book approach, there were officialdom. Lord Hammond noted that key civil servants tended more strategic benefits whose merits were difficult to quantify. to be located close to Ministers, for obvious reasons. “We may For example the Jubilee Line extension appeared to be poor have passed an inflexion point… with Zoom conferences”. It BCR but “has clearly been transformational” for East London remained to be seen whether dispersal of key administrative and “has actually proved to be a huge value-for-money project”. offices really happened. However civil servants have to rely on There had been a reliance on getting the Green Book process the tools of project analysis that they are given. “Time savings better, but just a narrative analysis of the strategic benefits. has been a pretty simple formula for putting a value on [BCR]… He agreed with the Chair that there was a risk of vanity projects that clearly now will change”. if assessment discipline was weakened. “The answer is not Mr Largan then probed about skewing assessment outcomes, to abolish a benefit-cost analysis approach. The answer is and about pressures on project budgets. Lord Hammond noted to recognise more clearly… that benefit-cost analysis is one that if project costs rose, the typical Ministerial response to the tool, but only one tool, in the toolbox of evaluating projects… civil service was ““Go away and find me a way to get it back [recognising] we do not have rigorous tools with which to assess within the budget.” There might be real lopping and/or other the strategic benefits of strategic projects”. means. “It may be the cost that is under scrutiny or the BCR ratio. If it is the BCR ratio, you have two tools. You can either reduce cost or you can increase the benefits.” At the MoD, Complexity of large projects “keeping costs down to get a project into the programme is an Tony Meggs commented “all projects are political in one way or essential part of the game-playing in Whitehall.” another, regardless of where you are doing them”. Also, “difficult In a subsequent answer, Lord Hammond accepted there was projects are really difficult” – with Crossrail “we underestimated ‘game-playing’, to which Treasury generally applied optimism the complexity of the really hard bit of the project… the bias as a regulating tool. Tony Meggs favoured benchmarking, integration of the first digital railway in the country, operating external reviews and project simplification and standardisation. in a new regulatory environment… These projects are not civil engineering projects any more, if they ever were; they are complex systems problems. It is not just the digital component. Continued over the page. They sit in a very wide system.” July 2021

Prioritising amid uncertainty Skills development for projects Gavin Newlands (SNP, Paisley & Renfrewshire North) asked Ben Bradshaw (Lab, Exeter) questioned the importance of skills about challenges for the Government in delivering on economic development for major projects. Lord Hammond agreed that impact, connectivity and environmental effect. development of technical skills was “essential”. He thought that current Government immigration policy “will not be so helpful… Tony Meggs responded that, not least because of Covid, “we are [as] infrastructure industries in particular have typically relied on moving into a world of real uncertainty where the strategic cases a free and easy flow of skilled labour”. will become more important than the heavily engineered benefits cases. Frankly, any challenge in a world of great uncertainty Tony Meggs agreed that the UK infrastructure industry “is will be to get crystal clear what the strategic objective of each very siloed”. The industry itself needs to build more capability. project and programme really is.” Industry capability and cost It needs to hire more people on a full-time basis and improve management was also something to keep under review. training within the industry”. Mr Newlands asked about how the current Government should Bidding up projects, and valuing the costs of doing nothing prioritise infrastructure projects. He exampled the Northern Grahame Morris (Lab, Easington) asked about how to control Ireland fixed link. Lord Hammond doubted there was a decent overspending – he struggled “to think of an example of a major business case or strategic case for that, so it was “an outlier”. transport infrastructure project that has been delivered on time Pressed further, he agreed it sent a message about connectivity. and on budget”. Tony Meggs had already suggested some “We should be spending… on strategic projects that will be mechanisms, so he asked Lord Hammond if there was more that transformational in a way that is supportive of Government could be done, given the apparent political bun-fight between policy”. He cited the levelling-up agenda, particularly around the Departments for project funding? north of England. Lord Hammond thought that “competitive tension” was inevitable. Also “every economic problem in this country comes back to “The problem is that in order to get selected, projects have to the challenge of productivity… Our productivity is far lower look attractive. Therefore, there is a huge incentive for project than our competitors.” “Therefore, the test for any investment teams to… maximally state the benefits, play down the costs below the strategic level has to be, ‘Does it raise productivity?’” and, most importantly, play down the risks. “Of course, it is not “Improving the interconnectedness of cities that are close hard costs that drive project economics; it is the allocation of together geographically but quite far apart in travel time is risk”. Business cases can also start to disintegrate and need crucially important to gaining the agglomeration effects… I think re-building. time savings in terms of travel within agglomerations, within metropolitan areas, very much do matter”. Failing to achieve that This spurred Grahame Morris to probe further about cost-benefit “is economically damaging”. analysis, since his constituency felt hard done by. Would be it useful to “look more at the costs of doing nothing, in terms of not meeting the levelling-up agenda”, instead of trying to construct Treasury behaviour an argument around time reductions? Simon Jupp (Con, East Devon) asked about the Treasury Lord Hammond thought the better way was “to say that benefit- controlling purse strings while Departments were there to cost analysis plays an important role… but it is not the only deliver. Lord Hammond said the Treasury is not only about consideration. There are other factors that should be considered controlling spending. “The Treasury also has a role in driving alongside it…”. The revised Green Book should assist. value for money. I think the people who work in the Treasury would regard that as their more important and more challenging role… the current Government have made a political decision UK benefits vs local disbenefits that they want to increase the amount of spending on publicly Greg Smith (Con, Buckingham) has a constituency covered by funded infrastructure… We cannot carry on consuming exactly HS2 and by the East West Rail corridor. He asked about “the what we were consuming before and spend a lot more on impact on communities that suffer the brunt of those infrastructure infrastructure investment.” projects, often without any benefit”. He thought it instrumental Responding further to Mr Jupp, Lord Hammond said that “in the way the contracting and planning processes work from traditionally defining value for money was through the Green within Government on that. For many people, the overall benefit Book. Adjusting the Green Book to give more weight to qualitative of a scheme is irrelevant; it is what actually happens to them, elements was a “perfectly legitimate step for the Government”. their own businesses and their own day-to-day lives”. In terms of greater Treasury control over sector such as the Lord Hammond disagreed. He believed “Central Government’s railways, he thought “the railway is a special case”, publicly role is to take a UK-wide view of costs and benefits”. HS2 was financed and 90% of the infrastructure publicly owned, and the an example where “the benefits will accrue in one part of the franchise model broken. Later, he added that all assumptions United Kingdom and in other parts there will be a cost burden to about future rail investment “now has to be retested”. Later be borne… One of the challenges we have around infrastructure still: “In my view, the operation of the railway needs to be done delivery is the tendency to try to deal with the problem that you by private sector managers who are answerable to public have identified by adding bits to projects to try to deliver benefits authorities”. to communities that are negatively impacted by the project.” More generally there was “a huge difference between outcomes “It is clear to me that East West Rail will produce strategic where the Treasury spending team and the departmental national benefits for the UK, linking directly together two very spending team are effectively working together to deliver important centres that are driving economic growth, in Oxford projects and agreed priorities, and areas where the Treasury and Cambridge, and creating a corridor that could rival some of spending team is using all its time and energy to act as a brake the famous corridors elsewhere in the world like Silicon Valley.” on unfettered and uncontrolled departmental ambition.” Lord Tony Meggs commented that “there should be, and there is, a Hammond favoured more joint working. big onus on the people actually doing the projects to interact well with the community.”

Continued over the page. 16 Risks of legal hold-ups for projects time to attend a miniature version of that spread over eight separate sessions. I regard that as one of the most important Huw Merriman threw in two final quick questions. One was about strategic interventions that the Government have made”. doing business with China. The transport one was “Do you think there is more reform needed when it comes to the courts holding “Ministers themselves, without necessarily having any kind up transport projects?” of project experience, can learn from academics and from practitioners how their role can either improve or detract from the Lord Hammond commented that it is a political decision. “It success of a project. Mistakes are often made not through malice goes to the debate we have just been having about the balance or anything like that, but simply through lack of understanding. between Government having to make decisions in the national Building that understanding is going on right now, driven by the interest and then impose them against the wishes, undoubtedly Treasury Chief Secretary. I applaud it. I think it is a big deal.” in every case, of some people and some groups. If we want to get big infrastructure done, we need to find ways of making sure that the process does not get any longer or more long-winded.” Tony Meggs felt that “Because it is all a balance, I would hesitate… to advocate a more interventionist and dirigiste approach in our country.” Contact Jonathan Roberts Ministers learning lessons Managing Director Within the questioning, and useful as a concluding point from [email protected] this Select Committee session, Tony Meggs highlighted the www.jrc.org.uk Major Projects Leadership Academy within Government… “It is really world-class. People study it from all over the world. About 30 to 40 Ministers have now taken a huge amount of their own

been supporting MSC with our John Smith, MD at GB Railfreight, MSC UK & GBRf Intermodal rail services since 2002. said: “We are thrilled to have signed Our priority was to continue to offer this contract. Given MSC’s projected agree 5-year deal unparalleled capability and flexibility future growth we have struck a to our line haulage customers in a flexible agreement which will allow Mediterranean Shipping Company fast paced and ever evolving UK both parties to make better use of the (MSC) and GB Railfreight (GBRf) intermodal market. Increased wagon services we share. As a business we have announced a new five-year utilisation was a key component from always put the clients first and we are deal, further strengthening their the start and engagement with ports delighted to be able to cater to MSC’s long-established relationship. and inland terminals to support this needs with this contract renewal. initiative took place early on.” The new agreement will be volume- “With the economic picture looking based and is expected to increase The services will operate from uncertain, I am pleased we will wagon utilisation that in turn will help Felixstowe and London Gateway to continue working with MSC – a move further reduce carbon emissions. both the Midlands and Yorkshire , with which shows that the rail freight a minimum commitment of five days market is in good shape and will be In a statement MSC said: “MSC is a week. Over the course of the next needed more than ever as we begin once again delighted to confirm a new five years. the road back to recovery.” • five-year deal with GBRf which has

the use of e-cargo bikes at each end point Ahead of COP 26 for the last mile/ first mile delivery and pick up/ returns in towns and cities. This - Independent Rail is already being done in some areas of the Group releases country, but there is potential to expand this approach across the wider rail sector. report challenging Liam Henderson, Chair, Rail Innovation rail and logistics to Group said: “Innovation is all about considering new ideas and ways of connect better working: and we’re promoting our expansive passenger rail network as part A new report from the Rail Innovation of the national distribution system, offering Group has been published exploring reliable routes, competitive journey times, the potential for expanding the use of reduced air pollution, and unrivalled local the existing rail network to facilitate the hubs. At a time when society is ever more faster and more sustainable delivery of concerned about the environment and our smaller and medium-sized parcels. shared future, we’re looking to our existing national assets for sustainable facilities RIG believes that there is the opportunity for and local economic opportunities”. rail to provide long distance routes, which are much faster than the road network, which could then be complimented with 17 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

7 July Discussing data in the future of the rail freight sector

20 July Introducing the Class 321 Swift Express Freight Train

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.

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. 18 July 2021 High demand sees Teesport Bulks Terminal sign third major deal in eight months

PD Ports has secured a third long- term deal at its recently unveiled state- of-the-art bulks facility in Teesport, accelerating future expansion plans.

The UK major ports group signed a long- term contract with a third global customer to secure the remaining bays inside the 300,000 sq.ft. Teesport Bulks Terminal based on the port estate.

Opened during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the £9.2m investment by PD Ports to renovate and refurbish the former Steel Export Terminal in to the modernised Teesport Bulks Terminal, marked an important milestone. The investment as an ongoing journey of diversification, Ports as their chosen logistics providers follows the £50m redevelopment of we are stronger and more resilient as a to move cargo through our new facility, Teesport’s No. One Quay, supported by business. As a result we are underway further reinforces our proven track record Regional Growth Funding, to enhance and with our biggest recruitment drive in the of delivery, securing private investment in expand its rail-connected bulk handling history of our business – employing more the Tees Valley region, driving the region’s facilities. Now, less than one year on, people now than before the closure of SSI. economic value and creating new jobs. PD Ports is planning to extend the facility further. “I am delighted to see the successful “As we look ahead, we are confident transformation of Teesport’s bulks that by continuing to build on the PD Ports’ CEO, Frans Calje said: “It was handling infrastructure and service strengths the River Tees offers, utilising catastrophic for the Tees Valley when the provision – which is underpinned by our our newfound Freeport status to attract steelworks collapsed in 2015. Overnight growing customer base that now includes further investments and embrace new we, as PD Ports, lost a third of our three globally renowned partners, opportunities, we can achieve our vision business and this region lost one of its including Viterra. The fact that such of making the River Tees the UK’s most major component parts. Now, thanks to established and world-leading businesses successful port region by 2050.” • much hard work and investment, as well within the industry have selected PD

Any photos submitted must be in a JPEG format and DB Cargo UK 2022 Calendar between 4MB and 12MB. Not excessively digitally altered, Competition now open include text or have filters applied.

The DB Cargo UK 2022 Calendar Competition is now All entries must include: name, job title, location, daytime open for entries. DB wants to see your best photos contact details, which category you are entering and a featuring DB Cargo staff at work, locomotives in action detailed description of the scene. or its logistics operations. More details can be found here. So, grab your camera, get snapping and your picture could be selected by judges for inclusion in the official 2022 DB To enter, send your images to [email protected] Cargo UK Calendar. before 31 August 2021. •

Guest article - Peaks and Dales Railway

bound via Edale and Dore before turning south - lacking sense Reinstating the Peaks and both operationally and from an emissions perspective. With passengers returning to rail post-COVID, coupled with enhanced Dales line – an imperative for connectivity aspirations to support growth and Net Zero targets, incremental freight capacity Transport for the North’s decision to set aside the proposal for a TransPennine road tunnel surely means that future growth in In 1968, disinvestment in the then “Peak Line”, part of the freight traffic will need more rail capacity in this region. Midland Main Line to Manchester, resulted in closure. Yet today, research by MEMRAP shows that reinstatement Despite some tactical relief from the current improvement of “The Peaks and Dales line” qualifies as a Nationally scheme, the Hope Valley line remains the “Achilles Heel” of TfN’s Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP). Compliant with the Transport Strategy, unable to meet future pressures of passenger requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework and HS2 services into Sheffield – which are not easily mixed (2012), such nationally strategic programmes are permitted with slower freight. “The Peaks and Dales line” reinstatement exceptions to the NPPF’s presumption against development delivers a strategic solution - more capacity, better connectivity, in National Parks. and an east-west South Pennines crossing, mirroring proposals between Manchester and Leeds. Promoting the reinstatement is Peaks and Dales Railway Ltd, supported by MEMRAP, with a bid in Round 3 of the Restoring Public concern about regular freight traffic lessened with Your Railway (RYR) programme. Network Rail cites this as the proposals for full public passenger services. With the main most significant RYR bid for freight, nationally, given the large challenges being met - proposals include re-provisioning the limestone quarries of Peak Forest and Buxton, plus Hope Valley Monsal Trail off the railway alignment and plans for ‘biodiversity cement works - all vital to delivering post-COVID recovery net gain’ - the time is right for the freight industry, both operators policies of “levelling up” and “build back better”. and quarries, to stand up and back this far-sighted proposal.

Today, much product goes south, but, without “The Peaks and Dales line”, trains take the longer, hilly Hope Valley route east- July 2021 XPO Logistics, News in Brief Irish Rail • CEVA Logistics has and Port of expanded its rail-sea services between China Waterford and Europe. It has launched a new train-ferry start new service from Xi’an, China, intermodal to Immingham, as well as a premium offering on freight service the company’s existing route from Xi’an to the By Tim Casterton Mukran (Sassnitz) port in Germany. XPO Logistics, Irish Rail and Port of and onwards to export markets and we look Waterford have started operating a new forward to growing our rail freight operations VTG is adding intermodal freight service from Ballina, Co. soon.” • temperature-controlled Mayo to Waterford Belview Port (run by Port services to its offerings. Its of Waterford). This follows a successful Frank Ronan, the port Chief Executive new refrigeration system trial working in March 2020. added: “Port of Waterford welcomes the re- introduction of rail freight services to the Port was developed by Austrian The new service will operate twice-weekly in at Belview. These trains, carrying container tech company SWS Power both directions using rail between Ballina in the freight, will work very effectively with the Port’s Solutions. West of Ireland and Belview Port. The use of Lo-Lo shipping services to provide businesses rail will transfer up to 5,000 truck movements in Ireland’s West/North West with a compelling • Getlink has set out its each year off the roads, with a resulting logistics solution to and from mainland 2025 Environmental Plan, reduction in road congestion and around a Europe.” Since Brexit, the use of direct services with a promise to reduce its 75% reduction in emissions per unit. between the Republic of Ireland and mainland emissions by 30%. Read Europe has surged so as to avoid using the UK the full document here with Managing Director Transport – UK and Ireland, ‘land bridge’ and all the additional paperwork full list of targets. XPO Logistics Dan Myers said: “We take that involves. environmental protection seriously at XPO. • The first zero-emission, So we are pleased to work in partnership with Irish Rail are currently finalising a Strategic fully electric shunting Irish Rail in delivering an intermodal solution. Plan for the growth of rail freight between locomotives for the port Our goal is always to manage supply chain key locations across the country. CEO Jim of Rotterdam are in the activities as efficiently as possible whilst Meade said “Today’s announcement with production line. By 2024, helping our customers lower their carbon XPO and Waterford Port demonstrates the the Dutch harbour wants footprint.” viable opportunities that can be developed to replace diesel shunting that will not just support industry and the locomotives and make its The Irish Transport Minister, Eamon Ryan is logistics sector, but is also fully aligned with the rail operations fully carbon very keen to transfer freight from the roads country’s climate action plan.” neutral. The project is a to greener modes and said: “Rail and other joint initiative of the Rail sustainable solutions will play an important role The rail company is planning to support and Innovators Group and on our journey to achieving net-zero emissions deliver the freight growth plans by procuring a the Chinese equipment by 2050. This new freight service offers a new fleet of intermodal freight wagons. manufacturer CRRC. Read climate friendly option connecting enterprises the full story in Railfreight. from the West to the Southeast of the country com

• Hutchison Ports Netherlands B.V. has signed an agreement to Contact the RFG Team: acquire the Rotterdam container terminal APM • Maggie Simpson OBE, Director-General, 07737 007957 Terminals Rotterdam • Phil Smart, Assistant Policy Manager, 07810 376201 (APMTR) from APMT. • Phillippa O’Shea, Administration Manager, 07931 763081 APMTR is located adjacent • Yvonne Mulder, Project Manager, 07887 767666 to Hutchison Ports’ existing • James Falkner, Media Officer, 07753 271110 ECT Delta terminal in • Robin Smith, Welsh Representative, 07968 488905 the Maasvlakte area of • Mike Hogg, North of England Representative, 07833 402804 Europe’s largest port.

RFG News is published by the Rail Freight Group, 7 Bury Place, London, WC1A. Tel: 020 3116 0007 [email protected]. www.rfg.org.uk. RFG welcomes comments, letters and short articles. Opinions expressed in these articles are of 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. RFG does not endorse the services of its advertisers.