Since the programme’s launch, the share of containers transported by rail from DP World Southampton has increased from 21% to over 30%. This shift has resulted in 100,000 more containers being transported by rail than would have otherwise been the case. The 100,000th container, carrying goods for retailer Halfords, departed Southampton by freight train.
The programme has removed more than 25,000 tonnes of CO₂e from supply chains and reduced road congestion by shifting approximately eight million road miles to rail freight. DP World now aims to increase the share of rail freight to 40% by 2026.
“Reaching this groundbreaking milestone of an additional 100,000 containers moved by rail rather than road is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team to make the Modal Shift Programme trial the success it is now,” said John Trenchard, Vice President – Commercial & Supply Chain at DP World UK.
Emma Tillsley, International Logistics and Customs Manager at Halfords, commented:
“Moving freight from road to rail is an important part of our strategy to reduce emissions. The reduction of CO₂e, coupled with the added benefits of a reliable rail service, has provided a first-class overall service for our logistics network.”
The programme offers customers a financial incentive for each import-laden container moved by rail from Southampton to a railhead within 140 miles. It has facilitated the introduction of four daily cargo rail services to Birmingham, Cardiff, East Midlands Gateway, and Doncaster. DP World has received several industry awards, including ‘Business of the Year’ and ‘Driving Rail Freight Growth’ at the Rail Freight Group honours event, as well as an edie decarbonisation award for ‘Transport and Mobility Project of the Year’.
This development follows DP World’s recent announcement that its Carbon Inset Programme has registered more than 100,000 TEUs of import-laden containers in its first two months. Launched in January, the initiative rewards importers with 50kg CO₂e of carbon inset credits for each loaded import container moved through DP World’s London Gateway and Southampton terminals.