European logistics specialist Verdion has agreed terms for MEDLOG SA’s UK subsidiary to operate its iPort Rail multimodal freight terminal in Doncaster.

Verdion is taking a long-term lease of iPort Rail with handover expected to be complete early next year, after which lifting and storage of containers at the terminal will be performed under the MEDLOG brand, which is part of the MSC Group of companies. It will be business as usual for iPort Rail’s existing customers as current 27-strong team will continue as before.

As part of the agreement, Verdion will start work on Phase 2 of iPort Rail which will see the size and storage capacity of the terminal doubled and the number of trains it can accommodate daily increased, as well as continuing the low carbon movement of goods to existing iPort occupiers. Planning consent for the upgrade has been also secured and work is expected to start early next year ready to begin operations in early 2025. Supporting Verdion in the transaction were Colliers and CBRE.

iPort is an 800-acre facility just five minutes from Junction 3 of the M18 near Doncaster, and is close to the A1 and M1 and is one of the UK’s most significant multimodal logistics hubs, and the largest in the north of England. It has rail connections via the East Coast Main Line with the UK’s major seaports. Verdion’s partner in developing and managing iPort is the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan and the retained leasing agents are GV Property.

When complete, iPort will be a 6 million sq, ft, logistics and light industrial facility operating 24/7. As well as iPort Rail, other companies already on site include Amazon, CEVA, Fellowes, Lidl, Woodland Group, Maritime Group and Euro Pool Systems, with more to be added as the newest buildings are leased. A further expansion of the warehousing facilities is also planned, with the largest extending to 848,000 sq. ft.

iPort Rail has on-site, open access rail terminal that was opened by HRH The Princess Royal in 2018, and Daily services operate to and from Southampton, Felixstowe, London Gateway and Teesport. The site has also secured the Government’s Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status. In 2021 the terminal gained customs approval and a new intermodal service between Immingham and iPort.

John Clements, Executive Director of Verdion, said: “The economic and environmental benefits of rail freight are clear, and we have significant untapped potential here at iPort to increase provision and support national and international supply chains. This agreement with MEDLOG will underpin current operations as well as creating a strong platform for future growth, including more business and employment opportunities across the Doncaster and South Yorkshire region.”

Dan Everitt, Managing Director of MEDLOG UK, said: “iPort Rail is strategically located less than five minutes from junction 3 of the M18 motorway in England and it will continue to be an open access terminal, with operations continuing seamlessly and without interruption to its customers. The investment in the iPort Rail terminal is part of the group’s continued investment in intermodal infrastructure in the United Kingdom.”