Work is now officially underway to transform Barking Eurohub into a modern international rail freight hub, marking a significant milestone in the Government’s ambition to grow rail freight and reinstate direct cross-Channel services via the Channel Tunnel.
Located on a 40-acre site in east London, Barking Eurohub is being redeveloped into a fully operational international intermodal freight facility. Once complete, it will play a central role in handling traffic between the UK and key European markets including France, Germany, Italy and Spain.
Building a modern international freight gateway
The redevelopment will create a high-capacity intermodal terminal capable of handling containers and liftable lorry trailers transported by rail. Alongside this, a wider logistics campus will support distribution and storage operations, strengthening the site’s role within national and international supply chains.
A core part of the work involves removing legacy sidings that currently limit the site’s usable footprint. This will release more than five acres of land and allow for the creation of new berthing sidings designed specifically for continental freight services, improving both capacity and operational flow.
Crucially, the track layout and terminal infrastructure will be upgraded to accommodate trains of up to 700 metres in length—almost double the current limit of around 350–400 metres. This enhancement is expected to significantly improve efficiency, enabling more freight to be moved per service and making rail a more competitive option against road haulage.
Supporting national freight and decarbonisation ambitions
The project represents an early but important step towards restoring regular cross-Channel rail freight services, which have seen limited utilisation in recent years. By enabling longer and more frequent trains, the development is expected to shift a greater share of freight from road to rail.
This modal shift will reduce lorry journeys on congested routes across the South East, cutting emissions and easing pressure on key motorway corridors. It also aligns closely with wider industry and Government objectives around decarbonisation and sustainable logistics.
Rail Minister Lord Hendy said:
“This significant investment in international rail freight will boost British businesses by opening new trade links and deliver faster, more sustainable ways to transport goods between UK and Europe.
“Our ambitious targets for rail freight are strengthening UK supply chains, supporting economic growth and jobs and cementing the UK's position as a hub for international trade.”
Network Rail Chief Executive Jeremy Westlake added:
“This is an important milestone for Network Rail and for the future of British freight. Bringing back regular cross-Channel rail freight services will help take lorries off roads, reduce carbon emissions, and strengthen trade with Europe. This investment shows how railway land and infrastructure can support businesses, communities and the environment as we move towards Great British Railways.”
Long-term investment in rail freight growth
Income generated from the redeveloped Eurohub will be reinvested into freight growth across Britain, supporting the Government’s long-term ambition for rail freight through to 2050. The scheme also supports the broader vision for Great British Railways by demonstrating how railway land can be leveraged to deliver sustainable, revenue-generating infrastructure.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the progress. Maggie Simpson, Director General of the Rail Freight Group, said:
“It’s great to see the rapid progress in developing this important site which is essential to the future of international rail freight. We look forward to seeing the development take shape and new services starting in due course.”
The redevelopment is being delivered through a partnership with Platform4 and Legal & General, with Network Rail providing infrastructure expertise across the three-year programme.
Image credits: Network Rail
