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Test train lines up rail delivery of Europe's biggest paper reels

For Immediate Release - 25 January, 2006

The first freight train has traversed the loop line serving the Port of Liverpool's new logistics and warehousing complex, in anticipation of a regular flow of forest products by rail.

The trial run was undertaken by a Class 66 diesel locomotive and six freight wagons in readiness for the movement of Europe's largest reels of paper into the 105,000 sq ft specialist store of Stanton Grove Limited.

The loop line was established in the first phase development of the Liverpool Intermodal Freeport Terminal (LIFT) complex by the Mersey Docks and Harbour Company. It runs from the port's main link with the national rail network and travels beneath specially designed canopies at the Stanton Grove and neighbouring warehouses, to allow all-weather handling of cargo.

The EWS loco undertook several manoeuvres on the rail link before safety and operational experts gave their approval for the loop to prepare to receive its first commercial train in March.

The trial was prompted by growing interest in moving imported newsprint by rail from the UK East and South East coasts to the Stanton Grove warehouse. Manufactured in Norway, Sweden and Finland, the 4.3 metre high reels - Europe's largest - would then be stored to await just-in-time delivery to presses in the North West of England.

Mersey Docks Business Development Manager John Rogers, commented: "The trial train into the LIFT area highlights the foresight of Mersey Docks in establishing the rail link when the first phase of the 860,000 sq ft logistics development was undertaken several years ago."

Stanton Grove Managing Director Rob Stewart. said: "The introduction of rail delivery to our distribution centre adds a further cost effective element to the comprehensive facilities and services we offer the forest product industry and its customers."

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