Groupe Eurotunnel: New Cross-Channel intermodal traffic London - Dourges (France) for Europorte

Groupe Eurotunnel SA announces that the Glasgow based UK multimodal logistics provider, John G Russell, has contracted Eurotunnel rail freight subsidiary, Europorte, to run a Cross-Channel Intermodal rail service for its customers 2XL and Novatrans. The flow, which will start this month, will comprise 5 trains per week between Dourges (near Lille) and Barking, transporting products for Procter & Gamble. The trains will travel through the Channel Tunnel and then up High Speed 1. 

The knowledge and professionalism of the Europorte and Russell teams have brought together all the interested parties to achieve a major step forward utilising a route that achieves European gauge capability, with a delivery right to the outskirts of London. This is further proof that the Atlantic Rail freight Corridor (ARC), which will link the Pyrenees to Dourges, should be extended through the Channel Tunnel to Great Britain to improve its profitability. 

This contract is a demonstration of the competitive option offered by cross-Channel rail freight compared to maritime routes. It shows the efficiencies that can be gained by reducing unnecessary ground handling whilst also limiting carbon emissions for transporters who are increasingly seeking an environmentally friendly alternative.