The UK is set to revive regular freight trains through the Channel Tunnel, marking a significant step toward stronger, more sustainable trade links with mainland Europe.
In a landmark government-backed deal announced on Wednesday (25 February), Network Rail, along with its property development arm, Platform4, will take long-term control of the Barking Eurohub site in east London from current owner Legal & General.
The agreement unlocks around £15 million in private investment to transform the facility into a major international logistics hub capable of handling intermodal freight – goods shipped in standardised containers that can seamlessly transfer between rail, road, and sea.
The return of cross-Channel rail
The move paves the way for the return of routine cross-Channel rail freight services, which have been severely limited in recent years. Currently, only a tiny fraction of UK-Europe freight moves by rail through the Tunnel, mostly restricted to bulk shipments for single customers.
The vast majority travels by sea before switching to trucks for onward distribution, contributing to road congestion, pollution, and wear on key routes like the M20, M2, and Dartford Crossing in southeast England.
Once operational, the revived services could enable direct rail connections for British businesses to export and import goods to key markets in France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.
Potential cargo includes Scottish whisky, British white goods, and consumer products heading outbound, alongside fresh fruit and vegetables imported directly to London’s food markets from continental growers.
“This deal is a huge opportunity to reinvigorate rail freight by paving the way for the return of regular services through the Channel Tunnel,” said Rail Minister Lord Hendy.
“It will boost British businesses by opening new trade links to Europe [and] delivering a faster and more sustainable way to transport goods to the continent and back.”
Moving from trucks to trains
The initiative aligns with broader government goals to shift freight from roads to rail, reducing environmental impact while supporting economic growth.
Rail freight volumes have shown recent gains, up 5% year-over-year in some periods, and are forecast to grow at least 3% annually through 2033, even as overall train movements have nearly halved over the past two decades.
“Freight is fundamental to the future of our railway… By securing Barking Eurohub and unlocking more than £15 million of private investment, we’re putting in place the infrastructure needed to restore regular cross-Channel intermodal freight services – supporting British businesses and trade, while also helping to protect our environment,” said Network Rail Chief Executive Jeremy Westlake.
The Barking Eurohub, located in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, has long been seen as a critical asset for international rail freight but has remained underutilised. Local leaders welcomed the development as a boost to the area’s industrial base and ties to initiatives like the Thames Freeport.
Industry groups, including the Rail Freight Group, hailed the deal as vital for unlocking the Channel Tunnel’s potential as a strategic trade artery. Director General Maggie Simpson OBE noted that renewed services could help reverse underutilisation and drive growth in UK-Europe rail freight.
No exact start date for the new trains has been confirmed.
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