Maritime Transport has announced an exclusive agreement that will see the integrated road and rail freight provider develop, lease and operate Tritax Symmetry’s planned £750 million Strategic Rail Freight Interchange ('SRFI') at Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange ('HNRFI').
Plans to develop a 40-acre SRFI capable of handling 16 trains per day when fully operational and at full capacity, the company said it will remove 83 million HGV miles from the UK road network.
The switch from road to rail could save around 70,120 tonnes of CO2 each year say Maritime Transport.
Jonathan Wallis, Director at Tritax Symmetry, said: “Maritime Transport’s commitment to an SRFI at this early stage is a significant first in the sector and reflects ultimate confidence in the location’s suitability for rail freight from the leading road and rail freight location provider in the UK.
“Alongside Maritime Transport’s fully fledged support, we are excited by the potential of this prime location for rail-linked logistics, which we believe will see strong demand for large scale, flexible, modern, low carbon space.”
To be given the green light, the scheme is dependent on the Secretary of State for Transport’s approval of a Development Consent Order, the outcome is due in September 2024.
John Williams, Executive Chairman of Maritime Transport, said: “We are delighted to agree terms with Tritax Symmetry to become the long-term operator of the new SRFI, in planning, at HNRFI.
“This development will strengthen our rail-connected network and our strategy of decarbonising the full load supply chain in the UK, moving cargo closer to the end user by rail.
“Our strategy of decarbonising the supply chain will extend to the introduction of BEV (Battery Electric Vehicles) to perform first and final mile transport, creating the most sustainable full load networked, intermodal logistics offering for occupiers at HNRFI and beyond.”
Maritime Transport operate in over 40 UK sites and additionally announced in April that the company would be the long-term operator of the West Midlands Interchange (WMI) SRFI.
Maggie Simpson, Director General, Rail Freight Group, added: “The development of a national network of strategic rail freight interchanges is paramount to ensuring the long-term future viability of the UK Government’s target to enhance modal shift of freight from road to rail.
“We are encouraged by Tritax and Maritime’s commitment to rail freight, and this display of support for the UK’s latest SRFI before the DCO decision is determined is extremely welcome for advancement of sustainable, rail-based logistics.”