DB Cargo UK has signed an agreement in principle with Maritime Transport to enhance intermodal capacity and support rail freight growth in the country.
Following the deal, the two firms launched a division called Maritime Intermodal.
DB Cargo UK will receive the contract to run Maritime Intermodal’s rail operations out of Felixstowe and Southampton.
In turn, Maritime Intermodal will assume the responsibility of DB Cargo UK’s existing intermodal customers at the two ports.
The division will also take over the responsibility of DB Cargo UK’s terminals in Trafford Park in Manchester and Wakefield in West Yorkshire. It is expected to make significant investments at the two sites to improve terminal turnaround times and container storage capacities.
DB Cargo UK CEO Hans-Georg Werner said: “This is an exciting new agreement that brings together two of the largest and most successful freight companies in the UK to offer an industry-leading service to customers.
“It will enable DB Cargo UK to focus on what it does best, the efficient and reliable running of rail freight services, while giving Maritime the platform to offer its customers further capacity to move its container traffic.”
DB Cargo UK will continue to retain its remaining intermodal business, including services to and from Scotland.
Maritime Group executive chairman John Williams said: “In addition, over the four services alone, more than 32 million miles will be taken off the UK road network each year, reducing both congestion and carbon dioxide emissions.
“This further enhances our creativity in developing intermodal solutions for our customers.”
