28.01.19
Rail freight deal unveiled by DB Cargo UK and Maritime Transport
DB Cargo UK and Maritime Transport have agreed to launch a joint intermodal division and contract out work to each other in bid to increase rail freight capacity and competition in the intermodal market.
The deal will see DB Cargo contracted to run Maritime’s rail operations including four dedicated services out of Southampton and Felixstowe.
Maritime Intermodal will take on responsibility for DB Cargo’s intermodal customers and its rail terminals in Manchester and Wakefield.
The deal between the rail freight operator and road haulier principally sees a new division called the ‘maritime intermodal’, and the companies say in the long term it will enable each other to drive up service and efficiency, resulting in increased intermodal capacity and growth in rail freight.
Announcing the agreement, DB Cargo said it was looking to “retain and grow” its intermodal business, and called in an “an exciting new agreement that brings together two of the largest and most successful freight companies in the UK to offer an industry-leading service to customers.”
CEO Hans-Georg Werner stated: “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.
“It’s a real win-win and we look forward to working with Maritime going forward.”
Maritime said it is committed to significant investment in equipment and groundworks at the two sites it will take over, and wants to improve its terminal turnaround times and increase container storage capacity.
Its executive chairman, John Williams, commented: “We are delighted to announce the launch of Maritime Intermodal, a new division of our business created with the intention of offering increased resource to our customers in an increasingly difficult market place.
“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.”