British businesses could soon benefit from direct rail freight links to mainland Europe, following a government-backed agreement that could reopen the door to regular cross-channel intermodal rail services for the first time in years.
Announced today, the deal will see Network Rail and its development arm, Platform4, take long‑term control of the Barking Eurohub site in east London. Around £15 million will be invested to transform the site into a modern international logistics hub, enabling freight to travel seamlessly between the UK and major European destinations.
The development would support the return of regular intermodal freight trains carrying containerised goods that can be transferred easily between rail, road and sea. If implemented, this could allow:
- Direct imports and exports by rail to France, Germany, Italy and Spain
- Export of goods such as Scottish whisky, British white goods and consumer products
- Import of fresh produce straight into London’s food markets from European growers
At present, only a small proportion of rail freight uses the Channel Tunnel, mostly limited to bulk or single‑customer shipments. The new logistics hub aims to shift a significant portion of freight away from roads and onto rail.
Increasing rail freight capacity through Barking Eurohub is expected to deliver major environmental and transport benefits, including reduced congestion on the Dartford Crossing and M20/M2 corridors, lower pollution and carbon emissions, as well as fewer heavy goods vehicles on the road, meaning fewer potholes and improved road surfaces.
Shifting freight from lorries to trains is a core element of the government’s rail reform plans. Once Great British Railways is established, it will have a statutory duty to promote rail freight, with growth targets set by the Transport Secretary.
The rail freight sector is already expanding. Between 2024 and 2025, freight volumes grew by 5%, while intermodal traffic rose 4% year‑on‑year in the July–September quarter.
Reinvigorating Barking Eurohub is expected to:
- Stimulate the UK economy
- Create new jobs
- Strengthen Britain’s long‑term trading relationship with Europe
- Provide a sustainable alternative to sea and road‑based freight
The project aligns with wider efforts to expand European rail connections. The government is already working with partners in Germany and Switzerland, and industry discussions continue around future international services – including potential new entrants such as Virgin.
Minister for Industry Chris McDonald commented:
“This significant investment will strengthen UK supply chains and support jobs across the country by deepening trade links with our closest partner and biggest market in the EU.
“This project will help deliver more sustainable trade and build more reliable connections for the almost 100,000 UK businesses that export to the EU, while creating new opportunities for others here at home.”
With long‑term investment secured and planning underway, Barking Eurohub is positioned to become a key gateway for UK–Europe rail logistics, helping businesses move goods more efficiently while supporting the shift to greener transport.
The transformation of the site marks a significant milestone for the sector and lays the foundation for renewed cross-channel rail freight services – potentially restoring a vital economic and environmental link for decades to come.
Image credit: iStock
