ABP Connect has been praised for taking the initiative in promoting railfreight and showing the way forward for ports to seize the opportunities in supply-chain management.
The services division of Associated British Ports, the UK's largest ports operator, took over the management of Hams Hall Railfreight Terminal in April.
Speaking at the ABP Connect Open Day on June 21, Julia Clarke, executive director of freight, at the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) said: 'I congratulate ABP Connect on its acquisition of a first-class terminal in a first-class location. ABP Connect has shown the way forward for ports interested in wanting to get ahead of the game. Inland rail connections will become increasingly important as the transport and logistics industry grapples with increasing road congestion, driver shortages and the consequences of the Working Time Directive.' Bo Lerenius, group chief executive of Associated British ports Holdings Plc, added: 'ABP's growth strategy is focused on the development of its existing ports and transport business through rigorously-targeted investment and securing long-term customer contracts.
'ABP Connect has a complementary strategy of developing the value-added services we can offer our customers such as distribution, storage and shipping services. The securing of the Hams Hall operation is very much in keeping with this strategy.'