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Eco-constraints prompt Eurotunnel order for 3 freights to meet demand
EUROTUNNEL has announced the order of three new freight train shuttles to add to the 15 in its existing fleet as part of a GBP€30 million (US$45.4 million) scheme to expand terminals in Folkestone and Coquelles.
Eurotunnel traffic is expected to grow because of environmental constraints as shippers look to the shortest routes, which makes the Strait of Dover attractive, reports British International Freight Association (BIFA) newsletter.
These additions to the fleet will enable Eurotunnel to increase its capacity by 20 per cent and to run up to eight departures per hour at peak, compared to six currently, said a Groupe Eurotunnel statement.
This immediacy of departure added to the established speed of crossing is a major differentiating factor, which will enhance the attraction and the competitiveness of the Eurotunnel service, said the statement.
Orders for the EUR€40 million (US$46,2 million) trains has been placed, following a European tender process, with WBN Waggonbrau Niesky GmbH in Germany, near the Czech and Polish borders.
It is for the construction of three new shuttles, each 800 metres long, with 32 carrying wagons, three loader wagons and a carriage to transport the truck drivers.
The new shuttles will be built using the latest technology to ensure that energy efficiency and strength are coupled with reliability: they will be fully interoperable with the existing shuttles. Delivery is set for the end of 2016 and early 2017.
Said Groupe Eurotunnel COO Michel Boudoussier: "As the world leader in the rolling motorway industry, Eurotunnel has been able to draw upon its 20 years of experience in the design of these third generation shuttles. The consultation that we led confirmed that we are at the leading edge of railway development."
Separately, Lloyd's Loading List reported that Eurotunnel has been operating at 50 per cent capacity after smoke from a lorry carrying a "smouldering load" caused the closure of one of its two cross-channel tunnels.
There were delays of several hours for trucks crossing from the French side, but no significant delays on the UK side.
Eurotunnel traffic is expected to grow because of environmental constraints as shippers look to the shortest routes, which makes the Strait of Dover attractive, reports British International Freight Association (BIFA) newsletter.
These additions to the fleet will enable Eurotunnel to increase its capacity by 20 per cent and to run up to eight departures per hour at peak, compared to six currently, said a Groupe Eurotunnel statement.
This immediacy of departure added to the established speed of crossing is a major differentiating factor, which will enhance the attraction and the competitiveness of the Eurotunnel service, said the statement.
Orders for the EUR€40 million (US$46,2 million) trains has been placed, following a European tender process, with WBN Waggonbrau Niesky GmbH in Germany, near the Czech and Polish borders.
It is for the construction of three new shuttles, each 800 metres long, with 32 carrying wagons, three loader wagons and a carriage to transport the truck drivers.
The new shuttles will be built using the latest technology to ensure that energy efficiency and strength are coupled with reliability: they will be fully interoperable with the existing shuttles. Delivery is set for the end of 2016 and early 2017.
Said Groupe Eurotunnel COO Michel Boudoussier: "As the world leader in the rolling motorway industry, Eurotunnel has been able to draw upon its 20 years of experience in the design of these third generation shuttles. The consultation that we led confirmed that we are at the leading edge of railway development."
Separately, Lloyd's Loading List reported that Eurotunnel has been operating at 50 per cent capacity after smoke from a lorry carrying a "smouldering load" caused the closure of one of its two cross-channel tunnels.
There were delays of several hours for trucks crossing from the French side, but no significant delays on the UK side.
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