Barking upgrade to restore regular Channel Tunnel rail freight
The government has confirmed a deal that could lead to the resumption of regular rail freight services between Britain and mainland Europe through the Channel Tunnel, backed by investment to upgrade key UK logistics infrastructure.
image: Savills
Under the agreement announced by the Department for Transport with support from Network Rail and its property development arm Platform4, control of the Barking Eurohub site in east London will transfer from Legal & General to the railway infrastructure group. The move is intended to unlock around £15m of private investment to transform the terminal into an international logistics hub capable of handling regular container‑train services.
The government said the redevelopment will support the return of regular intermodal rail freight transport through the Channel Tunnel, which in recent years has been limited to bulk shipments for specific customers rather than scheduled container flows. Restoring frequent cross‑Channel intermodal services would enable British exporters to send goods directly by rail to destinations in France, Germany, Italy and Spain, with imports returning via the same route.
Officials and industry leaders expect this shift to provide a more sustainable alternative to long‑distance road haulage and short sea freight, particularly for container traffic where rail solutions can reduce road congestion and emissions. The government highlighted potential benefits for UK supply chains and logistics networks and said that regular rail freight services could ease traffic on congested corridors in south‑east England, including the Dartford Crossing and key motorways.
Rail Minister Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill CBE described the deal as an opportunity to reinvigorate rail freight by enabling “regular services through the Channel Tunnel”, strengthening direct connections with Europe and offering a faster, lower‑carbon freight option for British businesses.
Maggie Simpson OBE, Director General of the Rail Freight Group (RFG) said, “Rail freight has a huge role to play in supporting UK trade and the Channel Tunnel is a vital strategic asset that is presently under utilised. This investment by Network Rail and Platform4 is of huge importance and will help unlock renewed growth in international rail freight between the UK and Europe.”
Ben Plowden, Chief Executive of Campaign for Better Transport, said, “The Channel Tunnel has played a key role in increasing UK economic prosperity over the last three decades, but it has been woefully underused, particularly when it comes to freight. This announcement will help to change that. We are particularly pleased to see the Government give such a clear and strong commitment to international rail which – in tandem with domestic rail reforms – can boost the economy, reduce road congestion and create cleaner, healthier communities.”