LONDON — Freight service through the Channel Tunnel, which ended in 2024, is set to resume after the British government announced it would take control of the only intermodal facility in the United Kingdom able to handle freight cars with European dimensions.
The government announced today (Wednesday, Feb. 25) that national rail infrastructure company Network Rail and its property development company, Platform4, will take long-term control over the site in the east London borough of Barking. The facility is currently owned by the firm Legal & General and managed by DB Cargo. Network Rail plans about £15 million ($20.26 million) in upgrades to convert the Barking Eurohub into an international logistics hub, including lengthening tracks to handle trains of up to 700 meters (about 2,300 feet).
“This deal is a huge opportunity to reinvigorate rail freight by paving the way for the return of regular services through the Channel Tunnel,” Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said in a press release. “It will boost British businesses by opening new trade links to Europe by delivering a faster and more sustainable way to transport goods to the continent and back.”
The Financial Times reports the rail traffic could replace the equivalent of about 140,000 trucks per year, according to Network Rail. The newspaper says government ministers hope the investment in the Barking Eurohub intermodal terminal will also encourage more freight rail companies to enter the UK market, which would help meet targets that are part of the nationalization of the rail network.
“Freight is fundamental to the future of our railway and this landmark agreement highlights the central role it will play as we transition to Great British Railways,” Network Rail CEO Jeremy Westlake said in the government press release. “By securing Barking Eurohub and unlocking more than £15 million of private investment, we’re putting in place the infrastructure needed to restore regular cross-Channel intermodal freight services — supporting British businesses and trade, while also helping to protect our environment.”
Currently, the only freight moving through the Channel Tunnel is a small amount handled on shuttle trains that carry vehicles between England and France. The restoration of freight trains will allow direct import and export by rail to destinations including France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.
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