Unaccompanied Channel Tunnel freight service begins
Launch paves way for growth in movements.
CHANNEL Tunnel operator Getlink launched a service for unaccompanied freight between its Folkestone and Calais terminals on September 18, which it says should help to ease pressures caused by the current shortage of lorry drivers.
It was followed by the announcement of the extension of intermodal logistics firm CargoBeamer’s ‘rolling motorway’ services between Perpignan and Calais (which started in July) to Ashford. The company’s partnership with Getlink is a further step towards developing a new intermodal network between the Channel and the Mediterranean.
CargoBeamer specialises in technology that can transfer all types of lorry semi-trailer from road to rail. Unlike conventional operations using cranes, the simultaneous loading and unloading process for a train of 36 semi-trailers is a push-button automatic process claimed to take 20 minutes.
The semi-trailer can be driven directly onto the rail pallet or left for loading by one of the terminal vehicles. The lorry driver and tractor unit can be available for other duties as soon as the load has been detached, offering flexibility for hauliers.
On October 4, CargoBeamer will launch a route between Domodossola in Italy and Calais, which will also be extended to Ashford. Initially, there will be four round trips a week between France and Italy, increasing to six in December.
Getlink and CargoBeamer aim to be able to respond to demand, which they believe could grow into dedicated trains for customers.
It is anticipated that other UK terminals could be added to the network.