Freight News, Rail


Network Rail to operate Barking rail terminal

[ February 25, 2026   //   ]

Network Rail’s property development arm Platform4 is to take long-term control of the Barking Eurohub freight terminal site in east London, currently owned by Legal & General (L&G), and plans to invest around £15 million to transform it into an international logistics hub.

The Department for Transport said it would help support the return of regular freight trains through the Channel Tunnel.

The Barking terminal in the past handled intermodal freight trains operated by DB Schenker.

Rail Minister, Lord Hendy, said: “This deal is a huge opportunity to reinvigorate rail freight by paving the way for the return of regular services through the Channel Tunnel. It will boost British businesses by opening new trade links to Europe by delivering a faster and more sustainable way to transport goods to the continent and back.”

Network Rail chief executive, Jeremy Westlake, added: “By securing Barking Eurohub and unlocking more than £15 million of private investment, we’re putting in place the infrastructure needed to restore regular cross-Channel intermodal freight services. Currently, only a very small proportion of rail freight passes through the Channel Tunnel, and this is limited to bulk, single customer orders. This means most freight between Britain and Europe travels via sea, with goods then moving onwards through Britain by road.”

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