Return of cross-Channel rail freight

Network Rail has acquired the Barking Eurohub site, paving the way for increased rail freight across the Channel.

Network Rail and its property development company Platform4 will take long-term control over the Barking Eurohub site in east London, setting into motion plans to provide British businesses with direct rail freight links to Europe through the establishment of an international logistics hub.

Currently only a very small proportion of rail freight passes through the Channel Tunnel and this is limited to bulk single customer orders, meaning most freight between Britain and Europe travels via sea, with goods moving onwards via roads.

With £15 million of investment earmarked for the development, it will support the return of regular intermodal freight trains carrying cargo in containers that can be easily transferred across the different modes through the Channel Tunnel.

For British businesses, this means the direct importation and exportation of goods via rail to France, Germany, Italy and Spain, opening up possibilities for exports such as Scottish whisky, British white goods and consumer goods, alongside the importation of fresh fruit and vegetables from Europe.

It will help to reduce congestion, pollution and traffic by shifting the movement of goods from road to rail, as well as align with the government’s ambitions to grow rail freight by 75% by 2050 – a target it says has increased by 5% between 2024 and 2025.

Besides freight links, Network Rail’s plans for Barking Eurohub are anticipated to stimulate the economy, deliver jobs and establish a major international logistics hub that offers a sustainable alternative for moving goods in and out of the UK.

Jonathan Walker, Head of Infrastructure and Planning Policy at Logistics UK said: “This is a positive and welcome announcement, it’s clear there is significant untapped potential for rail freight across the Channel.

“To truly unlock that opportunity, we need a holistic approach that aligns investment across the wider network so freight can move efficiently to inland destinations.

“Just as important is reducing the cost of moving goods through the tunnel which will be essential if we want to see regular, commercially viable services return and thrive.”