DP World is expanding its rail capacity between two of the UK’s largest container ports by launching a second weekly rail service connecting the London Gateway and Southampton logistics hubs.
This strategic move aims to strengthen the UK’s supply chain resilience while reducing carbon emissions, cutting over one million truck miles annually.
The new mid-week rail service, operated by Freightliner, will begin on 1 October. It complements the existing weekend service, offering customers enhanced access to the extensive storage, handling, freight forwarding, and delivery services available at London Gateway Logistics Park, the largest port-adjacent logistics park in the UK, spanning 9.25 million square feet of gross floor space.
“Launching a second rail service between London Gateway and Southampton is the next logical step for DP World, given the clear benefits for our customers. Providing a cleaner and more cost-efficient way to move cargo across the country is a key priority for DP World in the UK, and modal shift has consistently proven to be a reliable and flexible solution,” stated John Trenchard, Vice President – Commercial & Supply Chain, DP World UK.
The first rail service between London Gateway and Southampton, introduced in 2022, was designed to improve the reliability and speed of customer supply chains by ensuring swift freight transit between these two major ports.
“Freightliner are delighted to continue supporting DP World with their second weekly port train service, working in partnership to develop further modal shift between Southampton and London Gateway. Our fleet of rolling stock and carbon efficient trains provide customers with lower carbon options for their international container movements,” added Chris Lawrenson, Managing Director – Intermodal Logistics, Freightliner Group.
Furthermore, customers using the new rail service can take advantage of DP World’s Modal Shift Programme, which provides financial incentives for moving import-laden containers via rail to railheads within 140 miles of Southampton. This initiative has already increased the share of rail freight at Southampton from 21% to over 30%.
