DP World showcases Modal Shift Programme success

DP World’s Modal Shift Programme in Southampton has reduced carbon emissions by almost 17,000 tonnes and removed 64,300 truck journeys from UK highways in its first year.

The Modal Shift Programme was launched in September 2023 to improve the financial viability of rail transport for import-laden containers.

The scheme, funded by a nominal fee on inbound containers, has increased rail freight at DP World Southampton from 21 per cent to more than 30 per cent, with plans to reach 40 per cent by 2026.

In the first year of the programme, four additional rail freight services were inaugurated, including lines from Southampton to Birmingham, Cardiff, East Midlands Gateway, and Doncaster.

Last month, DP World launched a second rail service between its Southampton and London Gateway logistics hubs, doubling rail freight capacity between two of the UK’s largest container ports.

John Trenchard, Vice President – Commercial & Supply Chain at DP World UK, said: “With this significant increase in rail freight volume, equivalent to the transfer of approximately 6 million road miles to rail, we are giving more of our customers the opportunity to explore the benefits of rail to the sustainability and resilience of their containerised supply chains.”

Recently, DP World Australia announced a binding Scheme Implementation Deed to acquire Silk Logistics Holdings Limited in a deal valued at approximately AUS174.5 million ($114.10 million).