{"id":101926,"date":"2026-02-25T08:28:42","date_gmt":"2026-02-25T11:28:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shipping.einnews.com\/article\/895398504"},"modified":"2026-02-25T08:28:42","modified_gmt":"2026-02-25T11:28:42","slug":"uk-government-moves-to-revive-freight-traffic-through-channel-tunnel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/2026\/02\/25\/uk-government-moves-to-revive-freight-traffic-through-channel-tunnel\/","title":{"rendered":"UK government moves to revive freight traffic through Channel Tunnel"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The UK\u2019s national rail infrastructure company, Network Rail, will take control of the Barking Eurohub freight facility in a move to return freight traffic to the Channel Tunnel. The facility is shown in April 2024. Google Earth<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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LONDON \u2014 Freight service through the Channel Tunnel, which ended in 2024, is set to resume after the British government announced it would take control of the only intermodal facility in the United Kingdom able to handle freight cars with European dimensions.<\/p>\n

The government announced today (Wednesday, Feb. 25) that national rail infrastructure company Network Rail<\/a> and its property development company, Platform4, will take long-term control over the site in the east London borough of Barking. The facility is currently owned by the firm Legal & General and managed by DB Cargo. Network Rail plans about \u00a315 million ($20.26 million) in upgrades to convert the Barking Eurohub into an international logistics hub, including lengthening tracks to handle trains of up to 700 meters (about 2,300 feet).<\/p>\n

\u201cThis deal is a huge opportunity to reinvigorate rail freight by paving the way for the return of regular services through the Channel Tunnel,\u201d Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said in a press release<\/a>. \u201cIt will boost British businesses by opening new trade links to Europe by delivering a faster and more sustainable way to transport goods to the continent and back.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Financial Times<\/em> reports<\/a> the rail traffic could replace the equivalent of about 140,000 trucks per year, according to Network Rail. The newspaper says government ministers hope the investment in the Barking Eurohub intermodal terminal will also encourage more freight rail companies to enter the UK market, which would help meet targets that are part of the nationalization of the rail network.<\/p>\n

\u201cFreight is fundamental to the future of our railway and this landmark agreement highlights the central role it will play as we transition to Great British Railways,\u201d Network Rail CEO Jeremy Westlake said in the government press release. \u201cBy securing Barking Eurohub and unlocking more than \u00a315 million of private investment, we\u2019re putting in place the infrastructure needed to restore regular cross-Channel intermodal freight services \u2014 supporting British businesses and trade, while also helping to protect our environment.\u201d<\/p>\n

Currently, the only freight moving through the Channel Tunnel is a small amount handled on shuttle trains that carry vehicles between England and France. The restoration of freight trains will allow direct import and export by rail to destinations including France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.<\/p>\n

\u2014 To report news or errors, contact trainsnewswire@firecrown.com<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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