Direct Rail Services (DRS), the UK’s leading rail freight operator started innovative trials to move freight from the East Coast to the West Coast by using a new type of wagon to enable cross country service to operate with the necessary gauge clearance.
These trials are operated using DRS’ Class 66 for P&O Ferrymasters. P&O Ferrymasters’ Intermodal Division are continuously seeking to provide customers with sustainable solutions using intermodal products. Wim Blomme, Director Intermodal Division at P&O Ferrymasters explains, “We are continuously innovating and implementing customer designed, sustainable and green solutions for our customers. Over the last decade the development of these solutions was very much focused on the European continent and our partnership with DRS has allowed us first time ever to move freight in the UK offering our customers a huge carbon footprint reduction. The trials have demonstrated the feasibility to carry high cube ISO containers on the restricted British loading gauge, and will surely lead to the launch of a regular service in 2010.”
These two stage trials form part of a wider project for DRS to look at ways of accommodating the increasingly popular high-cube ISO containers within the British loading gauge.
The two weeks trial started on the 19th July 2010. Initial phase was to move the freight using a traditional megafret carrying a 9’6” container. With restricted gauge clearance on some of the lines the route from Teesport to Widnes was via Edinburgh, Carlisle and Crewe.
Phase 2 of this trial started on the 26th July 2010 with the introduction of an innovative IDA lowliner wagon to move the container. Lowliner wagons are particularly useful for conveying high-cube containers where loading gauge may vary on the rail infrastructure between destinations. The train has successfully made the cross country move from Teesport to Widnes via Derby and Crewe. Clearly , this is demonstrating service efficiency as well as reducing journey times. Result of the trials will be analysed with a decision to commence the service in September 2010.
DRS’ Commercial Development Manager, Sarka Oldham commented, “ As a leading rail freight operator in the UK, meeting our customers requirements is the key to business success. With ever changing demands, DRS is committed to on going development of innovative rail solutions which have economical and environmental benefits for our customers.”
