GB Railfreight and Maritime Strike New Deal to Boost UK Rail Freight Network

A new multi-year freight agreement has been secured between GB Railfreight and Maritime Transport, reinforcing a long-standing partnership focused on moving goods efficiently across Britain.

The contract will see rail freight services continue to link major deep-sea ports with inland distribution hubs, including key flows from London Gateway, Port of Felixstowe and Port of Tilbury to Maritime’s network of inland terminals.

It represents the latest phase in a partnership that has developed over more than 20 years, during which time new rail services have been introduced to strengthen links between ports and distribution centres. The arrangement is designed to support businesses across the UK with more reliable and lower-carbon logistics options.

Shifting freight movements from road to rail is expected to remove thousands of lorry journeys from Britain’s roads each year. As well as reducing carbon emissions, the move is intended to ease congestion, improve air quality and contribute to safer, more resilient supply chains.

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.”

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.”

Image: GB Railfreight