Cross-channel rail freight has shown double digit traffic growth in 2013, according to Eurotunnel.
The number of freight trains increased by 10 per cent, owning, in part, to the transport of steel, to the re-launch of intermodal services and to new services generated through the Eurotunnel Incentive for Capacity Additions scheme, which provides support for start-ups put in place by Eurotunnel, using its own resources.
Since 2010, the growth in cross-Channel rail freight has been 21 per cent, it said.
Shuttle services revenues increased by 2 per cent to €477 million in 2013 but most of that was due to passenger growth. Freight shuttle traffic had and exceptional year in 2012 with the London Olympic Games, but in 2013 returned to its historic levels.
GBRf, the UK rail freight subsidiary, signed a contract with Sibelco Europe to provide freight services to transport silica sand. The sand is carried on two trains per day from the Sibelco quarry near Kings Lynn, Norfolk, to the Guardian Industries plant at Yoole, Yorkshire, and to the Ardagh glass manufacturing sites at Barnsley and Doncaster.
Overall, Eurotunnel showed a 12 per cent sales increase to €1.09 billion. Jacques Gounon, chairman and chief executive officer, said: “Eurotunnel has had a record year and, in spite of the highly competitive market situation, has delivered revenues significantly above one billion euros. For its 20th Anniversary in 2014, the Group has confirmed its capacity to make the most of the recent economic growth in Europe and particularly in the United Kingdom.”
