An agreement supported by the British government paves the way for the resumption of regular rail freight services between the UK and continental Europe through the Channel Tunnel.
Under the agreement announced on February 25, Network Rail and its property development company Platform4 will take long-term control of the Barking Eurohub site in east London, currently owned by Legal & General.
The plans involve private investment of around GBP 15 million to transform the site into an international logistics hub.
The return of regular intermodal trains
The investment would enable the relaunch of regular intermodal transport services through the Channel Tunnel. Currently, only a very small proportion of rail freight passes through the tunnel, limited to bulk shipments for individual customers.
The relaunch of services would allow British companies to import and export directly by rail to France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, reducing dependence on road and sea transport.
The authorities argue that transferring some of the freight flows from trucks to trains would reduce road congestion, particularly in south-east England, including the Dartford Crossing area and the M20 and M2 corridors.
Support from industry and civil society
Rail industry representatives believe that the Channel Tunnel is currently underused for freight transport and that there is significant potential for growth.
Ben Plowden, chief executive of the Campaign for Better Transport, welcomed the announcement:
“The Channel Tunnel has played a major role in the UK’s economic prosperity over the last three decades, but it has been grossly underused for freight. Today’s announcement could change that. We welcome the government’s clear commitment to international rail freight, which, alongside domestic reforms, can support the economy, reduce road traffic, and contribute to a cleaner environment.”
Part of the strategy to increase rail freight
The initiative is part of the UK government’s strategy to boost rail freight transport, in the context of the reform of the rail system and the forthcoming establishment of Great British Railways, which will have a legal obligation to promote the use of rail freight transport and achieve growth targets.
According to official data, rail freight volumes in the UK increased by 5% in the 2024/25 financial year compared to the previous year.
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