DB Schenker Rail operates first freight train over High Speed 1

The introduction of regular European sized freight trains on High Speed 1 moved a significant step forward this morning following the successful operation during the early hours of Friday 27 May 2011 by DB Schenker Rail of the first freight train on the route.

A container service from Hams Hall in the Midlands to Novara in Northern Italy was operated on High Speed 1 to test the operation of a loaded freight train on this railway. The assessment was declared an outstanding success by both DB Schenker Rail and High Speed 1, with a fault free operation being completed.

The work to introduce freight services onto High Speed 1 has been supported by the European Commission’s Marco Polo programme.

The train was the first of five such loaded freight train trials that will take place on High Speed 1 before the end of June 2011.

Once these trials have been completed DB Schenker Rail will connect the UK via the High Speed 1 route to the rest of its pan European rail freight market, opening a new service for customers to export and import goods more efficiently using larger wagons.

Alain Thauvette, Chief Executive of DB Schenker Rail (UK) Ltd, said: “Another significant step forward to enable larger freight trains travelling from anywhere across Europe on the DB Schenker Rail pan-European network to London has been taken. The opportunity to increase modal shift between road to rail on cross Channel operations is fast becoming a reality.”

Nicola Shaw, Chief Executive of High Speed 1, said: “HS1 is the UK’s only high speed rail line and the connection we provide to mainland Europe is open to freight and passenger operators. We are delighted to be working with DB Schenker Rail and other freight operators. These successful trials pave the way for the introduction of regular freight services to and from the UK and into Europe.”