GB Railfreight and Maritime Transport have agreed a new multi‑year contract that will see thousands of tonnes of freight moved by rail across the UK, reinforcing a long‑standing partnership at the heart of the nation’s supply chains.
Under the agreement, rail services will transport goods from major deep‑sea gateways including DP World London Gateway, the Port of Felixstowe and the Port of Tilbury to Maritime Transport’s strategically located inland rail terminals across the country.
The deal represents the continuation of a relationship spanning more than two decades, during which GB Railfreight and Maritime have introduced a growing number of intermodal services linking key ports with inland terminals. These connections have helped create new, lower‑carbon logistics options for UK businesses while improving supply chain resilience.
By shifting these freight flows from road to rail, the contract is expected to remove thousands of lorry movements from the UK’s roads each year. This modal shift will contribute to lower carbon emissions, reduced congestion, improved air quality and enhanced road safety, while also easing pressure on the highway network.
Julie Garn, Intermodal Director at GB Railfreight, said:
“It’s fantastic news that we will be continuing to deliver for Maritime. This new contract reflects the strength of our long-standing partnership, built on reliable operations and high-quality customer service.
“Together, we are helping ensure goods reach their destinations safely, efficiently and more sustainably.”
From Maritime Transport’s perspective, the agreement underlines the strategic importance of rail connectivity at a time of increasing global uncertainty and growing pressure on logistics networks.
John Bailey, Managing Director – Intermodal at Maritime Transport, said:
“This agreement builds on our long-standing relationship with GB Railfreight and underlines the critical role of rail connectivity between major UK ports and our strategically located inland terminals.
“At a time of growing geopolitical instability, increasing pressure on logistics networks, and the urgent need to decarbonise, rail links like these are more important than ever in keeping goods moving efficiently and building a more resilient, sustainable UK supply chain.
“As we continue to invest in rail-connected infrastructure alongside the rollout of eHGVs and charging infrastructure across a number of Maritime sites, this agreement further strengthens the integrated hub-and-spoke model at the centre of our sustainability strategy, using rail for long distances and zero-emission road vehicles for first and final miles, to deliver a more integrated and low-carbon logistics model for British industry.”
The renewed partnership reflects the rail freight sector’s growing role in supporting decarbonisation, resilience and long‑term economic growth, with GB Railfreight and Maritime positioning rail at the centre of a modern, integrated logistics network.
Image credit: GB Railfreight
