Rail extension takes trucks off the road

Part of a key commitment in ABP Southampton’s Air Quality Strategy, the project saw Solent Stevedores and ABP Southampton partner on the scheme to extend the track by 70m so that two 645m container trains can be serviced simultaneously. Previously only one shorter train could be accommodated at the terminal at a time.

Alastair Welch, ABP Southampton director, said: “We are continually investing in our infrastructure and facilities and alongside our partners at the port, we strive to operate in the most sustainable way possible.

“Expanding the rail freight offering at the port is great news for air quality.”

Improved efficiency

This project has significantly improved efficiency at the terminal by more than doubling the capacity of daily train services from five to a potential of 12 and from 60,000 container rail freight moves per year to a potential of 180,000 moves per year.

The investment also ensures the port can continue to accommodate the growing demand from customers wishing to use rail as a preferred method of cargo shipment.

Solent Rail Terminal services 1,600 container trains each year. In total, the port handles more than 1.9m teu every year.