Feature, Freight News, Rail, Sea


Maritime launches Southampton-Northampton via East-West rail route

[ June 18, 2025   //   ]

Maritime Transport has launched a new rail freight service between DP World Southampton and its Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI) at SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton (SLPN).

The first arrival in Northampton on 16 June was also the first freight train to enter service at Maritime’s 35-acre SRFI, and the first to operate the full length of the newly reinstated section of East West Rail (EWR) between Oxford and Bletchley.

Part of a government-backed programme to re-establish a strategic rail corridor between Oxford and Cambridge, the reinstated route offers an alternative to congested north-south routes.

Operated by DB Cargo UK, the service runs five days a week, with a capacity of up to 68 TEU per train.

It is supported by Network Rail’s Track Access Discount Scheme that promotes modal shift and encourage new rail freight business, whereby relevant access charges are waived for six months whilst new traffic is being established.

The launch follows two additional Maritime rail services between DP World London Gateway and its terminals at Hams Hall and Doncaster (iPort). Two further services are scheduled to follow linking London Gateway and the Port of Felixstowe with Northampton.

Maritime’s SRFI at Northampton forms part of a wider £200 million infrastructure investment by SEGRO and lies on the West Coast Main Line’s Northampton Loop, the country’s main north-south rail freight artery.

Network Rail’s design allows trains to take the junction between the main line and interchange at up to 40mph helping to reduce the impact on other trains on the network.

Managing director intermodal, John Bailey, said: “The arrival of our first service via EWR is an important step in expanding UK rail freight capacity, providing businesses with a direct, low-carbon route from Southampton to the heart of the UK’s golden logistics triangle. This development demonstrates how infrastructure and private-sector investment can deliver a more efficient and sustainable supply chain, while easing pressure on a congested road network.”

Brian Paynter, Network Rail’s capital delivery track director, added:“Seeing both this new rail connection to Maritime’s SRFI and the East West Rail route in commercial freight use for the first time are huge moments in both projects. Opening up this economically important rail route will give much more flexibility for our freight operators greatly improving connectivity across the country, while benefiting the environment through taking HGVs off roads – providing a lasting legacy for communities and business.”

SEGRO senior director, national markets, Kate Bedson, concluded:“We’re excited to see real momentum building at SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton, marked by the completion of the rail freight terminal infrastructure, the arrival of the first train and the completion of Yusen Logistics’ new facility – the first warehouse to be constructed on the park. Each freight train can remove up to 76 HGVs from the road with a consequential reduction in carbon emissions, making this a crucial step towards more sustainable logistics. With rail freight contributing £1.7 billion to the economy, this milestone is not only a shot in the arm for growth, it also supports a greener, more efficient supply chain.”

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