MoD awards rail contract to EWS Network

The Ministry of Defence has awarded its Strategic Rail Capability and Mainline Rail Freight Services haulage contract to EWS Network.

MoD awarded the £28 million contract to EWS Network following a competitive tender process. It is for four years and also covers the maintenance of the MoD’s wagon fleet.

EWS Network will supply locomotives to pull the MoD’s own fleet of railway wagons, as well as providing specialist services utilising the EWS wagon fleet as required. In an average year the MoD utilises around 8,000 wagon movements on Britain’s rail network.

Brigadier Jeff Mason, DSCOM Director, said: “The national railway network is a vital strategic transport asset for MoD. We will take full advantage of it under this contract to continue to move by rail a wide range of armoured vehicles and material. Moving these items by rail saves on road transport costs and exploits MoD’s existing rail assets. It also meets the MoD’s commitment to greener issues.”

Gerry Jones, Account Manager for EWS Network, said: “Whilst it is a demanding role, it is a prestigious contract to win and an honour to provide rail freight services for the Ministry of Defence. We are delighted to have provided the right combination of flexibility, commitment and value in our tender response which has met their requirements.”