Port of Felixstowe sets U.K. intermodal rail record

According to container terminal operator Hutchinson Ports, Felixstowe is the first United Kingdom port to handle over 1 million TEUs by rail in a single year.    Port of Felixstowe handled its 1 millionth TEU by rail on Wednesday, becoming the first port in the United Kingdom to do so in a single year, according to terminal operator Hutchinson Ports.
   The record setting cargo was loaded on a Freightliner service to Birmingham, one of the three major rail services out of the port.
   “This new milestone for the port reflects the dedication of our workforce and the excellent relationships we have developed with all the rail freight operators at the port,” said Clemence Cheng, executive director of Hutchison Ports and CEO of the Port of Felixstowe. “Rail is an increasingly important differentiator for shipping lines as well as importers and exporters and we are able to offer them a greater number of rail services to more destinations, more often, than any other port.
   “Rail is also a key factor in reducing the environmental impact of transport and helps reduce road congestion. We are continuing to invest heavily in rail infrastructure at Felixstowe and are currently working with Network Rail on capacity enhancements to the Felixstowe Branch Line,” said Cheng.
   According to the port, there are a total of 66 freight train movements at Felixstowe, making it the U.K.’s busiest intermodal rail freight terminal. In addition to Freightliner, rail services are offered by GB Railfreight and DB Cargo.