The Port of Felixstowe on England’s east coast has become the first port in the UK to handle more than one million TEUs by rail in a single year. The millionth unit was unloaded onto the 13.34 Freightliner service between the port and Birmingham on December 13.

Clemence Chang, Executive Director of Hutchison Ports and CEO of the Port of Felixstowe, said: “This new milestone for the port reflects the dedication of our workforce and the excellent relationships we have developed with all the rail freight operators at the port. Rail is an increasingly important differentiator for shipping lines as well as importers and exporters and we are able to offer them a greater number of rail services to more destinations, more often, than any other port.

‘Invest heavily’

“Rail is also a key factor in reducing the environmental impact of transport and helps reduce road congestion. We are continuing to invest heavily in rail infrastructure at Felixstowe and are currently working with Network Rail on capacity enhancements to the Felixstowe Branch Line.”

Felixstowe is the UK’s busiest intermodal freight terminal, with more than 60 freight train movements. It accommodates services by Freightliner and fellow operators GB Railfreight and DB Cargo to destinations including Glasgow, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Teesport, Wakefield, Bristol and Doncaster.

Achievement

Adam Cunliffe, UK Managing Director of Freightliner Group, added: “We would like to congratulate the Port of Felixstowe on this achievement.  As a reliable, efficient and sustainable method of distribution demand for intermodal rail freight continues to grow. The Port of Felixstowe plays a vital role in delivering a broad network of rail services to all major UK conurbations.  We look forward to continuing to work with Felixstowe to further grow the movement of containers by rail.”