Logistics company Maritime Transport has announced that it has signed a new, three-year contract with Tesco plc.

Tesco has appointed Maritime to manage, plan, and execute all rail operations at its central distribution hubs within Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT). The new agreement took effect from Sunday 29 October, and continues a thirteen-year relationship between the two companies.

Tesco is the UK’s largest grocery and general merchandise retailer, and Maritime believes that the new agreement strengthens its position in the market as a leading provider of integrated road and rail freight logistics.

Maritime will oversee the planning of seven daily rail services which link DIRFT with terminals in Mossend, Tilbury, Wentloog, Teesport and Inverness, and will complete final-mile road flow operations to distribution centres and Tesco stores in Yorkshire, Middlesbrough, the Midlands, and London.

Eddie Stobart Ltd had previously worked on Tesco’s rail operation at DIRFT, and its employees involved in this work have transferred to Maritime under TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment) regulations after a consultation process has taken place.

John Bailey, Managing Director – Intermodal, Maritime Transport, said, ‘This contract win with Tesco represents another step in our intermodal growth as we continue to reposition our business and focus in a more environmentally-conscious, carbon-cutting economy. DIRFT is a great fit for Maritime and our dedicated central management team now operating on site are doing a fantastic job leading day to day operations alongside our new colleagues who we are delighted to welcome to the Company. We look forward to further significant growth opportunities as a strategic partner of Tesco, and continuing to implement our strategy to own and operate the cleanest, most sustainable full-load supply chain in the country.’

Nick Potter, Transport Director, Tesco plc, said, ‘We are pleased to strengthen our collaboration with Maritime, using their extensive terminal network and expertise to support our commitment to efficient, low-carbon logistics. Rail freight is one of the many ways we’re reducing our emissions and the network will play an important role in achieving net zero across our operations by 2035.’