The Rail Freight Group (RFG) has welcomed the first temperature controlled rail freight cargo through the Channel Tunnel for some years, with the arrival of a cargo of melons from Italy.
The cargo arrived in the regular Norfolk Line train from Novara (Italy) to Hams Hall. Full track and trace was provided and the temperature was continuously monitored.
The train is managed on behalf of Norfolk Line by Freight Europe UK, and train operators along the route comprised private operator Crossrail (Italy and Switzerland), SNCF Frêt (France), Europorte 2 (Channel Tunnel) and Colas Rail (UK).
According to RFG chairman Tony Berkeley, the success of this new temperature controlled service demonstrates that the movement of fruit and vegetables from Italy, Spain and other locations through the Channel Tunnel works effectively.
Freight Europe's Henry des Longchamps commented: "This is an important success which demonstrates that a complex rail venture can work with a good operational result when there is a joint partnership, commitment and common interest."
