DP World London Gateway is strengthening its inland connections as changing shipping patterns bring increased container volumes to the port. Rail freight operator Freightliner has added a second daily intermodal service from London Gateway, doubling its existing rail schedule to meet rising demand.
The development follows the decision by the Gemini Cooperation between Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, the vessel-sharing alliance which commenced operations in early 2025. As part of the restructuring of their global networks, the two carriers are reallocating cargo flows and trades, including a shift of significant volumes from the Port of Felixstowe to London Gateway.
Second intermodal service
Freightliner, the UK’s largest maritime intermodal operator, confirmed it was able to mobilise the additional capacity within five months. “Freightliner mobilised and were able to solve this enormous operational challenge in under five months – providing several key benefits for all our customers,” a company spokesperson said. Freightliner has previously expressed a desire to significantly expand its intermodal operations in the UK, although there has been speculation about the future ownership of the business (as reported by RailFreight.com).
The introduction of a second service is part of a broader optimisation of Freightliner’s train plan. Faster train paths have been secured, enabling more efficient services, and the operator has increased its use of electric locomotives across its national network to support decarbonisation efforts. London Gateway’s rail infrastructure itself is not yet electrified, but electric haulage is used for portions of the inland routes.
Seamless change for customers
“It is testament to the staff, the network, our assets and skills within Freightliner that we have managed to shift operations from Felixstowe to London Gateway in such a short period of time – working collaboratively with several key stakeholders to ensure a seamless change for our customers,” the spokesperson added.
The expansion of rail services supports London Gateway’s continued growth as a deep-sea container hub. DP World has invested heavily in port and inland logistics infrastructure, as reported recently. The port is one half of DP World’s UK portfolio. Rail transfers are already in place with their Southampton terminal.
Although some traffic has moved south, Felixstowe remains the UK’s leading container rail port by volume and retains a strong intermodal customer base. The expectation in the market is that sufficient demand exists to sustain future development of rail freight services at both London Gateway and Felixstowe. That would align with the UK Government’s stated intention to foster growth in the rail freight market by at least 75% by 2050.