EWS is to launch a network of European intermodal rail freight services under its Euro Cargo Rail brand in January.
The initial launch plan includes: Brussels to Daventry three times per week from January; Duisburg to Manchester six times per week from February; and Milan to Manchester five times per week from March.
The new intermodal services take advantage of the Channel Tunnel “open access” regime announced in October. For the first time Euro Cargo Rail will take full accountability for reliable, integrated rail services with improved transit times and a reduction in operating complexity.
During 2008, services will be rolled out to connect Belgium, Germany, Italy, France, Spain and Switzerland with the key UK economic regions of the Midlands, North West England and Scotland.
Commecial director David Kerr said: “This new capability will offer manufacturers, retailers and transport operators the ability to bypass UK port congestion and remove 1000 lorries a week from key UK motorway congestion points on the M25, M1, M62 and M6.”
