Rail service cuts emissions

Forth Ports said that the rail service, which provides a regular weekend link between the Port of Tilbury and the Port of Grangemouth, is to be made permanent from 9 August. The two-way service is expected to provide Forth Ports customers with a cost effective and sustainable means of moving goods between ports, while reducing carbon emissions due to not using the already congested UK road network.

Rob Mason, senior commercial manager at Forth Ports, said: “Business at our busy container terminals is growing rapidly and it has become hugely important that we were able to connect these two ports by rail.

“This new service highlights our commitment to providing sustainable and cost-effective logistics solutions for our customers, helping them to grow and increasing their competitiveness in the supply chain.”

The service which uses Direct Rail Services’ (DRS) locomotives and wagon fleet has the capacity to travel with 36 containers and will be managed by Eddie Stobart, working closely with both Forth Ports and DRS. The containers travelling from Tilbury will carry cargo including retail goods, food and drink while the return journey will support Scotland’s export market with the movement of spirits, chemicals and fresh food.