Maritime Transport, DB Cargo UK enter into agreement to increase UK railfreight capacity

Jan 28, 2019: UK-based two freight giants Maritime Transport Ltd and DB Cargo UK has entered into an agreement and announced the launch of a new division - “Maritime Intermodal” which will initially contract four dedicated services out of Felixstowe and Southampton.

The long-term agreement will enable each organisation to operate to its strengths, driving up service and efficiency which will result in increased intermodal capacity and growth in rail freight.

Based on the agreement, DB Cargo UK will be contracted to run Maritime Intermodal's rail operations out of Felixstowe and Southampton.

Maritime Intermodal will take on responsibility for DB Cargo UK's terminals in Trafford Park, Manchester and Wakefield in West Yorkshire, thus strengthening the road haulier's national network of strategic hubs.

Maritime Intermodal is committed to significant investment in both equipment and groundworks at the two sites, improving terminal turnaround times whilst also increasing container storage capacities. The terminals will remain open-access to both intermodal and non-intermodal services. Maritime Intermodal will retain existing services and seek additional services from all UK ports with all freight operating companies with the intention of increasing its intermodal offering.

Maritime Intermodal will take responsibility for DB Cargo UK's existing intermodal customers on its Felixstowe and Southampton services.

DB Cargo UK will retain and grow its remaining intermodal business including key flows to and from Scotland.

Hans-Georg Werner, CEO of DB Cargo UK said: “It will enable DB Cargo UK to focus on what it does best - the efficient and reliable running of rail freight services, while giving Maritime the platform to offer its customers further capacity to move its container traffic.

He added: “Intermodal is the fastest growing freight market, yet our terminals were under-utilised. Maritime is a very successful logistics business and has the volumes and desire to turn these assets into sustainable and profitable distribution centres. It's a real win-win and we look forward to working with Maritime going forward.”

John Williams, executive chairman of Maritime Group said: “In addition, over the four services alone, more than 32 million miles will be taken off the UK road network each year, reducing both congestion and carbon dioxide emissions. This further enhances our creativity in developing intermodal solutions for our customers.”