Maritime Transport has embarked on a transformative journey with its exclusive agreement for the Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange.
- This £750m project, in partnership with Tritax Symmetry, is set to revolutionise logistics by integrating rail freight services.
- A significant environmental impact is anticipated, with projected savings of over 83 million HGV miles annually.
- The initiative marks a pivotal step towards decarbonising the UK’s supply chain through strategic rail connectivity.
- Approval from the Secretary of State for Transport is awaited, with a decision expected by September 2024.
Maritime Transport has forged a noteworthy partnership with Tritax Symmetry to lease, develop, and operate a substantial £750m Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI) at the Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange. This initiative represents a monumental step in enhancing the UK’s logistical landscape by shifting a significant volume of freight transportation from road to rail, a more sustainable and efficient alternative.
The planned 40-acre SRFI is designed to handle up to 16 train operations each day, striving for optimum efficiency. At full capacity, the project promises to reduce the nation’s road traffic by over 83 million HGV miles, potentially saving approximately 70,120 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. Such an achievement would considerably mitigate the environmental impact associated with heavy goods vehicle transportation.
Strategically located alongside 7 million square feet of prime warehouse facilities, this development will bolster rail freight connections between the Midlands and major ports including Felixstowe, Liverpool, London Gateway, Southampton, Teesport, and Mossend in Scotland. This reinforces Maritime Transport’s commitment to enhancing its rail infrastructure and logistical capabilities across the UK.
The success of this venture hinges on securing a Development Consent Order from the Secretary of State for Transport, with a decision slated for September 2024. The endorsement of such a project underscores the strategic importance of the SRFI in the broader context of national logistics and freight management.
Jonathan Wallis of Tritax Symmetry and John Williams, executive chairman at Maritime Transport, have both expressed optimism about the project’s potential. Wallis notes the sector-first commitment as indicative of Maritime’s confidence in rail freight logistics, while Williams highlights the initiative as a critical extension of their decarbonisation strategy, which includes introducing Battery Electric Vehicles for first and final mile services.
Maritime Transport’s substantial investment in intermodal facilities underscores its ambition to establish a robust rail-connected network. The Hinckley development adds to its expansive portfolio of UK rail terminals, further solidifying its position as a leader in integrated logistics solutions. This project aligns with a national directive to promote a modal shift in freight transport, from road to rail, as emphasised by Maggie Simpson of the Rail Freight Group.
Maritime Transport’s strategic engagement at the Hinckley site marks a significant advancement in sustainable logistics and rail freight connectivity.
