The latest RailTech Master Class, dedicated to rail freight in the United Kingdom, highlighted the strategic importance of this mode of transport for industrial shippers; Chris Swan, Head of Rail at Tarmac, Maggie Simpson OBE Director General at Rail Freight Group, Alex Kirk, Sales Director at GB Railfreight, Fabien Becquelin, Operational Director of Norlink, Elisabeth Leclercq, International Axis Project Manager at Euralogistic and Patrice Godefroy, Representative at Unite, spoke about the challenges and opportunities facing the rail freight industry:
- network capacity
- technological innovation
- collaboration between the various actors in the sector.
- promote more sustainable modes of transport
- integration of advanced technologies to optimize freight operations.
During his speech Chris Swan (Tarmac) underlined the importance of rail freight for the building materials industry in the United Kingdom. Despite a well-developed rail network, the sector faces sustainability and capacity challenges. Chris advocates the adoption of innovative technologies, such as real-time tracking, to improve the efficiency of the rail car fleet and reduce CO2 emissions.
Chris discusses Tarmac's ambitions to promote a shift to more sustainable modes of transport and highlights the need for collaboration to overcome regulatory and infrastructure obstacles:
- an integrated and environmentally friendly rail network
- The gradual elimination of diesel locomotives
- priority given to cleaner technologies, in line with the United Kingdom's decarbonization goals.
Maggie Simpson OBE (RFG) highlighted the growing importance of rail freight transport in the United Kingdom, especially in the context of sustainability. She mentions several initiatives promoting this growth, such as new storage sites, programs to encourage modal transfer and new itineraries. While the government supports the sector, challenges remain, such as network capacity and cost efficiency. Maggie also recalled that innovation is essential to meet these challenges, as is collaboration between businesses, government and research organizations to develop these solutions in the United Kingdom.
The RailTech Master Class with Norlink, Euralogistic and Unite focuses on the commercial importance of the United Kingdom - Europe rail axis and on the need for its development for industrial shippers on both sides of the Channel.
The key role of the Hauts-de-France region, in northern France, is also emphasized as an important point for trade with the continent. Key elements of the discussion revolved around the development of rail freight and the growth of commercial activities in these regions. Rail freight makes it easier for businesses to export and import goods at reduced costs. It also improves transport performance. Trains can transport heavy and bulky materials, such as coal or containers, making them particularly suited to industrial needs. And the use of wagons reduces CO2 emissions: rail transport is significantly more energy efficient than road transport, with a much lower carbon footprint.
In August, Alex Kirk from GB Railfreight looked at the British rail company's strategies for integrating advanced technology and industry expertise to optimize operations.
Reliability is presented as essential, with specific requirements depending on the sector. For the automotive industry, GB RailFreight focuses on the rigorous monitoring of just-in-time deliveries. In the steel sector, timing is critical to avoid metal cooling, while for petrochemicals, a high sensitivity to regulations and the safety of deliveries is essential.
To balance reliability, costs, and sustainability, GB Railfreight adopts best practices, such as reliable and optimized service booking, as well as sustainability initiatives, such as investments in dual-mode locomotives.
Our latest RailTech Master Class revealed the importance of rail freight in the UK, balancing reliability, costs and sustainability. Speakers emphasized the need for collaboration between businesses, government and research organizations to develop sustainable solutions. By integrating advanced technologies and encouraging green practices in freight transport, railways can not only improve efficiency, but also play a key role in decarbonizing transport and strengthening the United Kingdom - Europe rail corridor.
Another big thank you to our speakers for sharing their knowledge, and to RailFreight Group for supporting this webinar series dedicated to the United Kingdom.
The RailTech Master Class replays are available on our YouTube channel.
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