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New rail freight operator on track to deliver zero-emissions service
Despite the electrification of more than 70% of all passenger train operator rolling stock in the UK, according to the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), the vast majority of Britain’s freight trains remain powered by diesel.
NEW OPERATOR BUCKS THE TREND
However, one freight operator – Varamis Rail – is bucking the trend. In response to the rising demand for next-day deliveries of goods bought online, Varamis has worked with Eversholt Rail to convert fully electric four-car trains, formerly used in passenger service, to carry freight. Each four-car train has the same capacity as four single deck HGVs. The operator also worked closely with the ORR and Network Rail, who between them provided the necessary operating licences, contracts, and train paths for the service to operate.
FIRST ZERO CARBON RAIL FREIGHT SERVICE
Earlier this year (9 January 2023), Varamis launched the UK’s first zero carbon end-to-end rail freight service, running between Scotland and the Midlands, Monday to Friday. Targeted at the express parcel market, retailers and third-party delivery companies, it will primarily deal with next day delivery of consumer goods.
THE NEED FOR SPEED
Trial operations took place in October 2022, to enable logistics companies to test the service and ensure that it was robust. Speed is another benefit of the new service which makes it particularly appealing to the express parcel and next-day delivery markets, with trains that can reach 100mph. Journeys between Mossend freight terminal, near Glasgow, and Birmingham International are scheduled to take just under four and a half hours. Diesel freight train services, by contrast, average a speed of just 24mph.
A SUSTAINABLE SERVICE
“As the UK’s newest train operator, Varamis Rail is keen to promote the sustainable benefits that the railway has to offer to the UK economy along with Network Rail,” said Phil Read, Managing Director, Varamis Rail, “The increase in online shopping and home deliveries over recent years has accelerated the demand to find a more environmentally friendly solution to moving our parcels, products, or light goods around the UK. One solution is the electrified rail network.
“Varamis Rail is incredibly appreciative of the support it has received from the ORR and Network Rail to enable a start-up of its operations and we look forward to building on this relationship as the rail industry looks to play its part in decarbonising the UK.”
Ellis Shelton, Policy Advisor – Multimodal, Logistics UK: “Encouraging a greater volume of the UK’s freight to travel by rail has long been recognised as a key strategy for decarbonising logistics. The launch of this all-electric high-speed freight service between Scotland and the Midlands is a fantastic example of innovative and collaborative working between a private operator and public bodies and will help the sector play its part in reaching the government’s 2050 net zero target.”
*www.logistics.org.uk/rail
Published On: 23/02/2023 16:00:13
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