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DBS on target to serve two new freight hubs

DB Schenker has agreed terms with two major property developers for the operation of proposed new intermodal terminals in the south east of England.

Both terminals are located close to the M25. The interchange at Radlett in Hertfordshire is being promoted by SEGRO, while the interchange at Colnbrook in Berkshire is being promoted by Goodman. The two schemes provide major warehouse capacity, are served by a rail terminal, and they are both in the right locations to serve London and the Home Counties.

Rail industry forecasts predict growth in container traffic on the UK railway of up to 300% by 2030. In order to meet this demand DB Schenker Rail believes that significant new terminal capacity is needed, especially close to major consumer markets.

Carbon-free Class 92s!
Meanwhile, the German-owned freight and passenger operator wants to build three wind turbines on land it owns at Margam. The resultant electricity would be sold to Network Rail which in turn would feed it into power lines. This would mean, in effect, DBS would be powering its own Class 92s free. Although the announcement does not state how many Class 92s could be powered by this means, clearly the answer must be several, if not the whole of the DBS fleet.

The freight operator is hoping that the local authority and the Welsh Assembly will support the scheme, planning approval for which will be sought this spring.