Following recent discussions between GB Railfreight (GBRf) and Mediterranean Shipping Company (UK) Ltd (MSC), both companies have agreed on a new five-year contract, driven by flexibility and sustainability.

Strengthening a partnership formed almost two decades ago back in 2002, both firms will work with each other and clients to ensure each train is appropriate for the job it’s operating.

The key objective to achieving this is increasing utilisation of each train hauled by GBRf, making sure there are no empty wagons but also adding more if the demand requires so.

This not only should increase sustainability by reducing emissions but in turn meet changing customer demand.

Rail freight has huge potential for many clients across the UK, especially with a flexible business like MSC and GBRf behind rail freight transport.

With new five days a week services planned to operate out of both Felixstowe and London Gateway to both the Midlands and Yorkshire, a large area of the UK is covered.

With uncertainty around the growth expected in the UK in the coming months and years, GBRf and MSC will work together and adapt their approach and operations to suit.

MSC commented: “MSC is once again delighted to confirm a new five year deal with GBRf who have been supporting MSC with our Intermodal rail services since 2002. Our priority was to continue to offer unparalleled capability and flexibility to our line haulage customers in a fast paced and ever evolving UK intermodal market. Increased wagon utilisation was a key component from the start and engagement with ports and inland terminals to support this initiative took place early on.

We are delighted that our new shared contract will allow both MSC and GBRf to continue our work in taking steps to reduce CO2 emissions by moving containers via rail, closer to final destination.”

Managing Director of GB Railfreight John Smith said: “We are thrilled to have signed this contract with MSC. They are a longstanding partner and one of the leading shipping and logistics companies in the world, and we are delighted to be able to continue working with them for the next five years.

“Given MSC’s projected future growth we have struck a flexible agreement which will allow both parties to make better use of the services we share. As a business we always put the clients first and we are delighted to be able to cater to MSC’s needs with this contract renewal.

“With the economic picture looking uncertain, I am pleased we will continue working with MSC – a move which shows that the rail freight market is in good shape and will be needed more than ever as we begin the road back to recovery.”

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