A spectacular increase in freight traffic has helped Eurotunnel to get back in the black during the first half of 2011. Truck shuttles increased by 21% over last year, and freight traffic rose by 21%. Many industrial customers have returned to rail freight – according to Eurotunnel – as they have realised that it is cleaner and uses less energy.
Rail freight has become more competitive as any rail freight operator can now use the Channel Tunnel, and Eurotunnel’s own freight subsidiary has also won a new contract which has improved revenue.
Prospects for the future are looking promising, as a rail operator has successfully completed a trial on HS1 which would allow Continental sized containers to travel through the Channel Tunnel to London.