DP World is encouraging freight owners to transport their goods via rail in a bid to lower its carbon footprint
DP World has extended its Modal Shift Programme in Southampton, which encourages local freight owners to transport their goods via rail instead of using trucks.
The UAE-based logistics giant looks to take thousands of trucks off the road by the end of next year and is urging owners move their containers via rail to a railhead within 140 miles of the logistics hub.
The share of rail freight at Southampton currently stands at 30 per cent, up from 21 per cent since the programme’s launch in September 2023.
Its success has led to the launch of four new daily rail services at the Southampton terminal, taking the total number of weekly scheduled trains in the city to 172.
The scheme has contributed to DP World’s goal to take an estimated 300,000 truck journeys off UK roads each year and saved customers and supply chain partners approximately 6,400 tonnes of carbon dioxide in the first six months.
Vice president of UK commercial and supply chain at DP World, John Trenchard, said: “Due to the positive increase in the share of rail freight since the trial’s inception, we believe that we can target a 40 per cent share of rail freight target in 2026.
“At a time when customers face multiple challenges, including escalating geopolitical uncertainty, increased regulatory risk, and the urgent need to decarbonise supply chains, our Modal Shift Programme has proved highly attractive.”
He added: “Over the coming year, DP World is looking forward to working closely with the market to refine the initiative further, helping to ensure it delivers the best results for our customers and their operations, as well as our own.
“We are creating a solution that works for all partners across the supply chain.”
In April, DP World received the world’s first electric straddle carrier fleet at the London Gateway Hub.
