Following last year’s trial services (China to London and London to China), on April 10 the first scheduled freight service from DP World’s London Gateway terminal to the Duisburg freight hub in Germany departed. The load included containers destined for China.
The regular service is operated by GB Railfreight and Transfesa. It will initially run weekly, leaving London on Tuesdays with the return freight service arriving in London on Thursdays. After the first four weeks, a second weekly train each way is planned.
The Chinese government is supporting the service as part of its Belt & Road Initiative, to develop trade between Europe and China; the service is cheaper than air freight while being much faster than sea transport.