DB Schenker operates first European sized freight train over High Speed 1

The project to introduce regular European sized freight trains on High Speed 1 has achieved a major breakthrough following the successful operation by DB Schenker Rail on Saturday July 23rd of the first European sized freight train on the route.

The significantly larger haulage capacity available, with an internal height of three metres, from the curtain sided swap bodies moved on this train can only be utilised on the High Speed 1 route from the Channel Tunnel to London, as it is the only European sized rail route in the UK.

Two wagons from Spanish logistics operator Transfesa, part of DB Schenker Rail, and four European sized swap bodies were successfully transported over High Speed 1 on July 23rd from Dollands Moor near Folkestone to a rail terminal in East London in a fault-free operation. This has clearly demonstrated that European sized rail freight can be transported efficiently from across mainland Europe to London.

DB Schenker Rail plans to follow this initial operation with the first full train of European sized swap bodies, with regular services being introduced thereafter.

In doing so, DB Schenker Rail will connect the UK via the High Speed 1 route to the rest of its pan European rail freight network, opening a new market for customers to export and import goods more efficiently using larger wagons.

Alain Thauvette, chief executive of DB Schenker Rail (UK), said that Schenker has been conducting trials on the High Speed 1 rail route for five months, and the ability to now deliver larger freight trains travelling from anywhere across Europe on the DB Schenker Rail pan-European network to London will increase modal shift between road to rail across Europe.

Bernd Hullerum, Chief Executive of Transfesa, added: "This is a great opportunity for our automotive customers to link their European plants using the same Mega Combi equipment used for this trial, as they offer the possibility to load up to 96 cubic metres in a curtain sided unit, which is key for this industry."