UK container haulage and intermodal operator Maritime Transport has launched two new dedicated rail services from DP World London Gateway to its rail terminals in Trafford Park and Wakefield, “advancing its expansion into the intermodal market in response to rising customer demand”.

Launched late last month, the two daily services are Maritime’s fifth and sixth to date, following the launch of the group’s Maritime Intermodal division in April. Both services have the capacity to move up to 76 TEU in each direction, operating Monday to Friday on export services, and Tuesday to Saturday on imports, “providing customers with a seamless link between DP World London Gateway and the large manufacturing and consumer conurbation in Northern England”, Maritime said.

The new rail services are hauled by DB Cargo UK class 66 locomotives liveried in Maritime’s colours, as part of a 10-year intermodal partnership between the two companies.

Maritime also plans to increase the number of trucks stationed at several of its strategically placed depots nearby to support this increase in volume. The company said it had “seen consistent growth in its container throughput at each of its rail terminals, illustrating its ability to deliver reliable services as well as having the capacity to offer flexibility which is crucial to customers’ supply chains”.

Chief executive officer Simon Smart said: “Maritime continues to invest and commit to our strategic and long-term plan of developing a truly flexible and competitive intermodal product to the industry. We are delighted to extend our rail services via DP World London Gateway, complementing our existing services from Felixstowe and Southampton.

“As our national coverage and network increases, we are able to adapt to the ever-changing situation within the container transport sector, and offer our customers a complete and cost-effective package.”

James Leeson, head of port commercial at DP World London Gateway, said: “We’re extremely pleased to be maintaining our close relationship with Maritime, and being involved with the implementation of a first-class solution that delivers an exceptional service whilst offering huge economic benefits. The additional trains will provide much greater scale, scope and services for customers, particularly as we continue to see growth in our container volumes at the port.”

Maritime said work had already commenced on the company’s fifth locomotive, Maritime Intermodal Five, as Maritime looks to target further services from its new terminal under construction at East Midlands Gateway, Castle Donington – which is due for completion in November, and capable of handling up to 16 trains per day.