The Stobart logistics group have started to import Spanish fresh produce to the UK by the first fully refrigerated train.
The pioneering rail service from Valencia to the Ford Dagenham railhead features a number of firsts in the industry and generates significant environmental savings over the normal route to market by road:
- Longest train journey in Europe by a single operator
- First fully refrigerated train service to go through Eurotunnel
- Reduction of 13.7 million kilometres of road journeys per year
- Reduction in CO2 emissions of 8,625 tonnes annually
- Faster journey time than by road with corresponding improvement in produce “shelf life”
- Each refrigerated container is monitored remotely by Stobart from 'pack-house to customer' to ensure the temperature is precisely controlled and the produce arrives on time and in optimum condition
- For the first time retailers and consumers have a faster and lower carbon alternative for the import of “fruit and veg” from Spain
On the return journey to Spain the train will be full of pallets being carried for CHEP, ensuring there is not a fruitless journey. The group is also investigating the opportunity to extend the train service from the current terminal in Dagenham through the UK to our multi-modal terminal at Widnes.
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