Alvance British Aluminium has taken the delivery of 20 modern four axle powder tank wagons from VTG Rail UK, under a 10-year leasing agreement, marking a major step forward in the transformation of our rail logistics between the Port of Blyth in Northumberland and our Fort William smelter in Lochaber.
The powder tank wagons, which replace a fleet of 2 axle models that have been in service since the late 1980s, will nearly double the payload capacity per trip. This upgrade will reduce the number of annual rail journeys required from 107 to 76, a 30% reduction that delivers meaningful gains in both efficiency and environmental performance.
VTG Rail UK has officially handed over the new wagons to the Alvance British Aluminium and are now ready to enter operational service.
“This handover marks a significant milestone in our logistics modernisation programme. These new four axle wagons, combined with major infrastructure upgrades, will enable us to carry higher payloads per journey, reduce the carbon intensity of our operations and support the long-term sustainability of our supply chain,” Tom Uppington, Managing Director of Alvance British Aluminium said.
Their introduction forms part of a wider infrastructure upgrade at our Blyth site, where a significantly enhanced rail loading facility is on track for completion, ensuring compatibility with the new fleet and long-term logistics resilience. The transition has been carefully planned to maintain uninterrupted alumina supply to our 24/7 smelting operations.
The project has also brought benefits beyond the rail line, supporting a variety of local contractors in Blyth and Fort William during the upgrade phases, bringing investment into local economies and strengthening regional capability.
The next phase of the project will see the wagons retrofitted with VTG’s advanced iWagon technology. Originally designed for bulk powder transport, these wagons will benefit from integrated real time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and improved fleet management – adding another layer of intelligence and resilience to our logistics chain.
This upgrade project reflects Alvance British Aluminium’s commitment to continued investment, low carbon transport and integrated supply chain excellence, reinforcing its position as a world leader in sustainable aluminium production.
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