Merseyside-Scotland container train begins operation

Peel Ports and DB Cargo UK have launched a new rail service for containers between the Port of Liverpool and Scotland.

Commencing on May 8, it will run on three days a week from Merseyside to PD Stirling’s yard at Mossend, with room for more than 40 containers per trip.

The return service to Liverpool will carry Scottish goods for export, with a large proportion destined for the US. One of the first customers to use this new service is Walkers Shortbread, which produces more than 40,000 tonnes of biscuits per year.

Andrew Stokes, head of international sales at Walkers Shortbread, said: “We’re currently exporting around 700 containers of shortbread to the US each year, and hope to see this grow in years to come, in part thanks to the integrated route to market offered via Liverpool.”

Hans-Georg Werner, DB Cargo UK CEO, said: “Introducing express rail services between Liverpool and Mossend is a really sustainable solution, significantly reducing the need for HGVs to travel thousands of miles on our roads each week. We look forward to seeing our partnership with Peel Ports grow in the years ahead.”

Jouke Schaap, Container Director at Peel Ports, added: “This new service underlines our commitment to working with our customers and the wider supply chain, to transform UK logistics practices to ensure the door-to-door journey is optimised.”