Maritime Transport and DB Cargo UK to boost railfreight capacity
After reaching agreement in principle with DB Cargo UK, Maritime Transport. has announced the launch of a new division – “Maritime Intermodal” which will initially contract four dedicated services out of Felixstowe and Southampton.
The long-term agreement will enable each organisation to operate to its strengths, driving up service and efficiency which will result in increased intermodal capacity and growth in railfreight, says the firms.
The agreement proposes:
- DB Cargo UK will be contracted to run Maritime Intermodal’s rail operations out of Felixstowe and Southampton.
- Maritime Intermodal will take on responsibility for DB Cargo UK’s terminals in Trafford Park, Manchester and Wakefield in West Yorkshire, thus strengthening the road haulier’s national network of strategic hubs.
- Maritime Intermodal is committed to significant investment in both equipment and groundworks at the two sites, improving terminal turnaround times whilst also increasing container storage capacities. The terminals will remain open-access to both intermodal and non-intermodal services. Maritime Intermodal will retain existing services and seek additional services from all UK ports with all freight operating companies with the intention of increasing its intermodal offering.
- Maritime Intermodal will take responsibility for DB Cargo UK’s existing intermodal customers on its Felixstowe and Southampton services.
- DB Cargo UK will retain and grow its remaining intermodal business including key flows to and from Scotland.
Hans-Georg Werner, CEO of DB Cargo UK, said: “Intermodal is the fastest growing freight market, yet our terminals were under-utilised. Maritime is a very successful logistics business and has the volumes and desire to turn these assets into sustainable and profitable distribution centres.”
