Direct Rail Services (DRS) has celebrated its 30th anniversary with a special event at its Carlisle depot in the northwest of England. It marks three decades of specialist operations at the forefront of the nuclear and rail freight industries. The milestone was recognised with the unveiling of a commemorative livery on locomotive 68007, reflecting the company’s journey from a niche operator to one of the UK’s versatile freight carriers.
Since its founding in 1995, DRS has grown from a small team of seven employees into a 400-strong workforce. Originally, the company was focused on the secure transport of spent nuclear fuel. Since then, the company has expanded into intermodal, retail and infrastructure markets, while maintaining its central role within the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) group. DRS trains are most recognisable for their daily supermarket moves for retail consortium Tesco.
From nuclear origins to wider recognition
The origins of DRS lie in the continuing need for safe, secure transport of nuclear materials across the UK. From its first nuclear service, the company built a reputation for reliability in one of the most specialised and sensitive areas of rail freight. Its portfolio of achievements includes handling the Royal Train for Queen Elizabeth II, operating the Kosovo Train for Life, and introducing the Stadler-built Class 68 diesel and their bi-mode Class 88 sister locomotives to the UK fleet.
The anniversary was marked at the Kingmoor depot in Carlisle yesterday (Sunday, 21 September), where staff, their families and friends gathered to see the unveiling of 68007 in its new wrap. “DRS started with just seven employees, with the sole purpose of moving spent nuclear fuel, and has grown to a company of over 400 staff members and diversified into many different markets over the years,” said Rail Managing Director Gottfried Eymer.
Central to the NDA mission
The NDA emphasised Direct Rail Services’ role at the centre of its strategy for safe and sustainable energy. “It is a privilege to be with colleagues and their families to help mark Direct Rail Services’ anniversary and reflect on the many achievements of the last 30 years,” said NDA Group CEO David Peattie. “DRS is central to the success of the NDA group’s mission to safely and securely manage the UK’s nuclear legacy. They are making a lasting and positive impact on the nation’s transport, energy and infrastructure landscape.”
The celebration comes during a wider anniversary year for the NDA group. Alongside DRS’s 30 years, 2025 also marks 20 years of the NDA itself, 50 years of Pacific Nuclear Transport Limited and 70 years of Dounreay, the world-pioneering nuclear reactor on the far north coast of Scotland. DRS has been heavily involved in the decommissioning process. Their work has been instrumental in keeping open Britain’s most northerly railway line.