Multimodal logistics operator Maritime Transport has launched a new intermodal rail freight service between DP World Southampton and the newly operational Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI) at SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton. The service is also the first commercial freight flow to operate along the new East West Rail (EWR) corridor between Oxford and Bletchley.
The inaugural train, hauled by diesel locomotive “Maritime Intermodal Six”, arrived at Northampton on 16 June, marking the SRFI’s official entry into service. Maritime’s service, operated on their behalf by DB Cargo UK, is part of a broader strategy to create more inland capacity, reduce road truck dependency, and enable modal shift with low-carbon logistics solutions.
First arrival opens up east-west corridor
The route is a milestone for UK rail freight, reactivating a key east-west link across central England and establishing a new inland connection to one of the country’s busiest ports. The Southampton-Northampton service will run five days a week with capacity for up to 68 TEU per train.
“Seeing both this new rail connection to Maritime’s SRFI and the East West Rail route in commercial freight use for the first time are huge moments in both projects,” said Brian Paynter, Capital Delivery Track Director at Network Rail, the British infrastructure agency. “Opening up this economically important rail route will give much more flexibility for our freight operators, while benefiting the environment through taking HGVs [heavy goods vehicles] off roads.”
Infrastructure delivers performance gains
The Northampton terminal is directly linked to the West Coast Main Line, Europe’s busiest mixed traffic route. The SRFI benefits from modern engineering that allows freight trains to enter and exit at up to 40mph (64km/h), significantly faster than the standard 5mph (8km/h) approach.
“The arrival of our first service via EWR is an important step in expanding UK rail freight capacity,” said John Bailey, Managing Director Intermodal, Maritime Transport. “This development demonstrates how infrastructure and private-sector investment can deliver a more efficient and sustainable supply chain, while easing pressure on a congested road network.”
Discount scheme helps establish service
The new flow has been supported by Network Rail’s Track Access Discount Scheme, which waives certain access charges for six months to help develop new traffic. The move reinforces wider UK government efforts to encourage modal shift and optimise existing rail assets. Additionally, DP World has been running a modal shift initiative from Southampton, encouraging freight forwarders to move containers by rail.
“This new flow facilitates additional capacity into this important region of the country,” said Roger Neary, Chief Sales Officer at DB Cargo UK. “[It does so] in a sustainable manner utilising new Network Rail infrastructure and funding, delivering benefits to Maritime Transport and their customers.”
Regional growth anchored at logistics hub
The SRFI is part of a £200 million development by SEGRO, sitting at the heart of a major logistics park adjacent to highway infrastructure. It has been formally integrated into the UK rail network and is positioned to support a wide range of domestic and containerised traffic.
“We’re excited to see real momentum building at SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton,” said Kate Bedson, Senior Director, National Markets, SEGRO. “Each freight train can remove up to 76 HGVs from the road. This milestone is not only a shot in the arm for growth, it also supports a greener, more efficient supply chain.”
Maritime’s network continues to expand
The Southampton-Northampton service follows two other new Maritime paths launched in recent weeks, linking DP World London Gateway with Hams Hall (Birmingham) and the iPortRail facility at Doncaster. Further flows connecting London Gateway and Felixstowe with Northampton are due to start soon.
Founded in 2001, Maritime Transport now operates more than 30 daily rail services across its national network. With a turnover exceeding £425m and over 3,000 staff, the company says it is committed to leading the sector on sustainability, fleet renewal, and reducing road mileage across the UK logistics sector.