The Port of Grangemouth is to spend £3 million scaling up and modernising its rail freight capacity as it looks to boost capacity after Brexit.
As a result of the investment Grangemouth will extend its dual rail siding to 775 metres (it currently stands at 200 metres) so it is capable of handling the longest freight trains on the UK network.
Derek Knox, Senior Port Manager at The Port of Grangemouth said: “As the UK prepares to leave the EU Single Market and the Customs Union, the freight sector is looking at ways to maintain an efficient free flowing supply chain.
“With the new rail offering combined with our established port operations and streamlined customs processes, the freight hub we are creating provides a unique solution. Coupled with our established rail links with our sister port in Tilbury, we are confident that rail customers will benefit significantly from both freight hubs.”
The port said that when operational early next year, Grangemouth’s would be the first rail freight terminal to offer such capacity and provide enhanced container and domestic intermodal options – particularly for customers in the food, drink and perishables sectors across the Scotland.
Existing services link Grangemouth and its sister port in Tilbury on the Thames with a connection through Daventry. Construction of the new rail extension has already started and the first train is expected in January 2021.
