UK/Europe Region

EXPANSION AT PENTALVER’S LONDON GATEWAY TERMINAL COMPLETED

In January, Pentalver announced the completion of an expansion of its container terminal at DP World London Gateway, the U.K.’s largest automated and fastest-growing deep-sea container port. Despite ongoing challenges from the pandemic, the extensive Phase 3 expansion work was completed to schedule and sees the operation grow from 9 to 14 acres, increasing overall site capacity from 4,000 TEUs to 7,400 TEUs and providing vital additional storage for customers. As well as increasing both maintenance and repair and reefer operations, the terminal now operates 24 hours per day, offering customers the option to return and collect both empty and laden containers to feed the vital transportation links that keep the U.K. supply chain flowing.

Pentalver’s container terminal at DP World London Gateway. “With changing customer demand and COVID-impacted inventory, the U.K. logistics industry saw huge pressure on container terminal infrastructure in 2021,” said Chris Lawrenson, managing director of G&W’s U.K. terminal services. “Our new

24-hour, expanded facility allows us to add over 40% capacity to one of the U.K.’s critical mainline port operations and enhance crucial support to the U.K. logistics industry.”

Ernst Schulze, U.K. chief executive of DP World, said, “I am delighted that Pentalver has completed their Phase 3 expansion at Berth 7. At London Gateway, we have the space, infrastructure and vision to support customers as they grow. Our partnership approach, logistics expertise, digital solutions and intermodal connectivity help us to solve logistical challenges and give our customers more control over their supply chains.”

UK/Europe Region

New Railcars Bring Commercial and Environmental Benefits to Freightliner and Its Customers

As the first freight company to develop standard-height, 40-foot platform railcars (wagons) and the first to introduce the Shortliner (Ecofret) car, Freightliner has a history of setting the standard for innovative and sustainable railcar solutions in the U.K. Continuing this trend, in 2021 Freightliner took delivery of 230 new FFA-G wagons from Poland, representing the next generation of energy- efficient intermodal railcars. The new car is the culmination of two-and-a-half years of work with partners Greenbrier Europe and Wabtec Axiom Rail and the latest contribution to Freightliner’s energy-saving strategy. Designed with fuel efficiency in mind, the FFA-G wagons are more than two tons lighter per platform than their nearest competitor, driving significantly less weight per train while maintaining industry safety standards. They also ensure significantly reduced noise levels and minimize track wear and tear. Compared to road, the FFA-G wagons achieve a 78% savings of carbon per gross ton moved. From a commercial perspective, as deep-sea containers are predominantly 40 feet, Freightliner’s new railcars are more load-efficient than traditional 60-foot cars. The ability for the FFA-G to also carry two 20-foot containers allows Freightliner to provide greater flexibility for customers. Designing, testing, building and authorizing a new railcar design during the pandemic is quite a remarkable endeavor made possible by the knowledge and dedication of all those involved in the project.