Transport for the South East (TfSE) welcomes this week’s government‑backed agreement to restart regular intermodal rail freight through the Channel Tunnel.
The deal gives Network Rail and Platform4 long‑term control of Barking Eurohub and unlocks around £15 million to create a modern international logistics hub, a major step towards restoring scheduled container trains between the UK and mainland Europe.
Why this matters for the South East
- Less pressure on critical corridors. Shifting containers from HGVs to rail will help reduce congestion and pollution on the Dartford Crossing and M20/M2 corridors, pinch points that directly impact communities and commerce in the east of our region.
- Faster, cleaner access to EU markets. Regular freight services via the Tunnel will improve reliability for South East importers/exporters and distribution hubs, strengthening supply chains, supporting growth and boosting the economy.
- Alignment with rail reform. The announcement supports the move to Great British Railways, which is expected to carry a statutory duty to promote rail freight with growth targets set by the Transport Secretary.
- Supporting government targets. Unlocking this key freight corridor boosts the South East’s contribution to the government’s 2050 target of increasing rail freight across Great Britain by 75%.
- Statement of intent. Opening capacity to international freight through the Channel Tunnel supports the government’s plans to expand international rail passenger connections with Europe, and the significant economic benefits to the region that the reopening of the Ashford and Ebbsfleet International rail stations might bring.
How this aligns with TfSE’s work
- Intermodal Rail Freight Interchange Study (2025): The decision to restart operations via the Barking Eurohub contributes to improving access to intermodal interchanges in the South East, addressing a recognised shortage of in the region as highlighted in the study, which constrains freight mode shift and growth. We set out practical steps, including planning policy support, local authority upskilling and supporting partner collaboration.
- Freight, Logistics and Gateways Strategy (2022): This makes the strategic case for rail‑enabled international gateways, highlights regional bottlenecks and sets actions to decarbonise freight while improving resilience.
- Rail Strategy (February 2026): Our Rail Strategy provides the whole‑system framework to guide investment on radial and orbital passenger and freight rail corridors and positions TfSE to advise on rail priorities, including rail freight growth and network resilience.
This is a clear, positive signal for the South East. With focused delivery on interchanges and end‑to‑end capacity, we can convert this into real trains, real mode shift and real benefits, including cleaner air, more reliable networks and a stronger, more resilient regional economy.
(Image: Freightliner.co.uk)