The iPort Rail strategic freight terminal has been officially opened within Verdion’s logistics hub in Doncaster, UK.
The terminal was opened by the Princess Royal in the presence of iPort development team and representatives.
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Located on a 30-acre site, the terminal is expected to enable national and international freight transport movement from the Yorkshire region.
The site became operational in February and is equipped to accommodate the longest trains up to six times daily.
Overall, iPort has a storage capacity of 1,500 TEUs and is operated by reach stackers capable of transferring loads of up to 115t.
Verdion CEO Michael Hughes said: “This day has been 15 years in the making and is a proud moment for everyone involved.
“Putting a rail freight hub at the heart of the site is part of the reason this is the UK’s most advanced multimodal logistics hub.”
Strategically located next to the M18 and Doncaster Sheffield Airport, the iPort offers connectivity with the electrified East Coast Main Line.
Additionally, the rail freight terminal is within two hours’ drive from the East Coast’s deepwater ports.
With more than two million square feet already committed to various companies, iPort is expected to support 5,000 new jobs in the area.
iPort Rail managing director Steve Freeman said: “Following the official opening, from next week we will be running up to six trains a day, six days a week with a 24 operation during those times.
“We are already seeing very promising demand from the industry, particularly because of the benefits rail freight can provide when the road haulage industry is increasingly stretched.”
