Scottish freight targeted for modal shift as EWS Network launched

The number of Intermodal containers being transported by rail in Scotland is set to grow alongside a major increase in rail's role in the supply chain for the logistics sector. The projection is made by EWS Network, the new rail freight operator launched today providing dedicated and specialist services for the Intermodal and logistics markets.

The creation of EWS Network marks the biggest drive ever seen in the railway in Scotland to provide the right service offering that will enable the logistics market to include rail as a significant part of its supply chain. This drive for growth follows detailed research to ensure products and services meet the requirements of prospective customers, including retailers, distribution companies, shipping lines and manufacturers.

The move also follows industry demand for sustainable transport choices that help reduce the emissions that cause climate change, whilst providing enhancements to existing distribution arrangements. All EWS Network services help customers reduce the size of their carbon footprint and enhance transport options.

The services provide by EWS Network are supported by a sales and operational workforce with a broad range of rail, distribution and logistics backgrounds. This experience will enable EWS Network to provide customers with innovative and value-driven solutions that meet the haulage requirements of their business.

Scotland is central to EWS Network's growth plans as, apart from coal, other freight commodities moved by rail in Scotland are low. EWS Network is a newly structured organisation that has developed a new range of services and products specifically to target the key sectors of Intermodal and logistics to rail.

The formation of EWS Network complements the Scottish Executive's recently published National Transport Strategy and its Action Plan for Freight, which calls for the creation of a sustainable freight transport system. EWS Network will assist in the development of rail freight's role in the sustainable transport system.

With new services, initiatives and product innovation EWS Network is positioned to grow the volume of rail freight to, from and within Scotland. These services support Scotland's economic position in the UK, and its trading relationship with the rest of Europe, by providing a competitive and sustainable transport system.

A new range of multi-user trunk network trains will be launched this year for the movement of goods by rail in Scotland. These include the development of services to and from Aberdeen following clearance work on the route from Mossend to Aberdeen to allow 9ft 6" containers to be moved by rail for the first time. Additional services from the Highlands and central Scotland to England are planned, as well as development of services to mainland Europe via the Channel Tunnel.

Paul Phillips, Business Manager Scotland for EWS Network, said: "There are significant opportunities to grow rail freight in Scotland in line with the Scottish Executive's Action Plan for Freight. EWS Network has the right mix of services and initiatives to transfer Scottish traffic from road to rail, whether internally, cross border, internationally or to mainland Europe. This is the biggest ever drive to integrate rail into the supply chain of businesses import to, and exporting from, Scotland. We look forward to providing Scottish businesses with competitive and sustainable rail freight services."

EWS Network has over 250 employees in Scotland.