Eurotunnel has announced a double-digit growth in rail freight during 2013.

It reported a ten per cent increase in traffic, owing partially to the transport of steel and the launch of new services generated by its Eurotunnel Incentive for Capacity Additions (ETICA) scheme. This is a system that provides financial support for railway companies launching intermodal services through the tunnel.

Furthermore, the growth in freight traffic has now grown by 21 per cent since 2010, prompting the company to announce further extensions to its ETICA programme. 

Jacques Gounon, chairman and chief executive officer of Groupe Eurotunnel SA, said: "For its 20th anniversary in 2014, the group has confirmed its capacity to make the most of the recent economic growth in Europe and particularly in the United Kingdom."

Meanwhile, the group revealed a two per cent increase in shuttle sales revenue during 2013, generating an extra €477 million (£391 million) for the company. This was mainly due to a rise in passenger numbers. Overall, it posted a 12 per cent total sales increase to €1.09 billion.