Varamis plans high-speed future

‘Azuma-style’ logistics trains and routes into mainland Europe form part of operator’s long-term plan.

VARAMIS RAIL managing director Phil Read has outlined to The RM his company’s “big ambitions” for a logistics service using new high-speed trains and a network extending into mainland Europe.

Following the statutory

28-day consultation process, Varamis expects to be granted its operating licence in early July, and run its first trains between Mossend and the former Red Star parcels depot at Birmingham International in the middle of August.

After a three-week proof of concept trial, consisting of a return journey on Mondays-Fridays, the company is hoping to secure a one-year contract with a customer.

“It is then my desire to step away from the daily running of the operation to focus purely on a four-year long plan of taking this service around the network,” explained Mr Read.

Next phases

The next phases would see the extension of the service to London and an additional, separate service between the capital and Birmingham. Varamis then intends to grow in the same way on the East Coast Main Line, launching an initial service between Edinburgh and Doncaster, before extending this to London and adding trains between London and Doncaster.

The firm will utilise Eversholt Rail-owned Class 321 ‘Swift Express’ electric multiple units, which have been converted for parcels carrying. Eversholt announced four would be modified to a revised specification following the unveiling of demonstration unit No. 321334 last year.

“What we’re looking at is six train operations that will include 19 of these trains, ultimately,” said Mr Read. “We know there’s a contract with Royal Mail that’s been talked about for a while now so obviously that could play its part as well.”

Stop-gap

The 100 miles per hour capable Class 321s are, however, only intended as a stop-gap.

“We intend to use high-speed trains, similar to the Azumas that are used in passenger service now, but they will be fully-purposed for parcels rather than people,” he added.

Phil Read believes “without a doubt” that there is will within the leasing sector to support the procurement of new high-speed trains for Varamis and other operators entering the logistics market.

“If we’re still running in three years, I would be amazed if we’re not procuring new trains at that point,” he continued, adding that international services from the UK also form part of his plans.

“This wants to be going into Europe in 10 years. They are bold ambitions that we’ve got, but everything seems to be falling into place for us to deliver on this, right at this moment in time.”