Hutchison Ports Port of Felixstowe is delighted to announce the start of a new rail service to the East Midlands Gateway (EMG), the second new rail service from the port in just seven days. 

Operated by Maritime Transport and DB Cargo UK, the new rail freight service will be Maritime’s fifth connection with the Port of Felixstowe and will run Tuesday to Saturday. The new service further enhances the port’s rail connections to the East Midlands Gateway.

Second new train
Second new train

Chris Lewis, Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Felixstowe, said “The ability to move goods to or from ports by rail is an important differentiator for traders and this second new rail service in seven days further extends the Port of Felixstowe’s lead in this field. Regular services are important in growing the share of traffic choosing more sustainable intermodal options.

“This third daily service to East Midlands Gateway boosts choice, reliability and frequency for shippers in the Midlands and helps reduce further the carbon emissions of businesses in the region that use the Port of Felixstowe as the gateway to overseas markets.”

John Bailey, Managing Director – Intermodal and Terminals at Maritime Transport, commented “Increasing our capacity and logistics efficiency for our customers whilst reducing the need for our HGVs to travel millions of miles each year has always been a vital part of our strategy. 

“Our latest intermodal service has been introduced following high demand at Felixstowe and EMG, and really underpins both Maritime’s and DB Cargo UK’s drive to offer more reliability and greater choice to the market.”

Maritime Transport’s 17-acre intermodal rail freight terminal provides access to the UK’s major ports, operates 24/7 and is able to accommodate up to sixteen 775m freight trains per day.

Andrea Rossi, Chief Executive at DB Cargo UK, stated “This new service, which once again brings together two of the largest and most successful freight companies in the UK, is a testament to the successful partnership we have forged with Maritime, and reinforces our commitment to keeping the nation on track during these challenging times. We look forward to maintaining our close alliance as the industry focuses on modal shift, while delivering sustainable solutions and innovation to our customers.”

The Port of Felixstowe has three dedicated rail terminals and offers rail services to more inland destinations, with greater frequency than any other UK port. The destinations served by rail are: Glasgow, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Teesport, Birmingham, Birch Coppice, Doncaster, East Midlands Gateway, Hams Hall, Wakefield, Ditton (Widnes), Rotherham, iPort Rossington and Cardiff.