In rail movement terms inter-modal
traffic describes the use of containers and swap bodies conveyed on
platform wagons that are transferred from and to ships and road
lorries. Inter modal traffic also uses the channel tunnel where swap
body systems predominate.
Demand for domestic intermodal services
has grown strongly in the last decade with increasing volume from
ports where deep-sea container ships are handled.
The growth has arisen as a result of
changes to the pattern of world trade and to cater for this the
Government has recently approved privately promoted schemes to
enhance port capacity at Felixstowe, and build new container handling
quays at Harwich Bathside Bay and Thames Haven, on the site of the
former Shellhaven refinery. In total these projects are expected to
generate 100 additional daily train movements.
Routes from these three ports are
heavily congested and there is also the issue of gauge clearance to
allow 9ft 6in high containers to be carried on standard height
platform wagons.
FCP offers in depth expertise covering
the infrastructure and performance implications of running increased
services on congested routes and can offer solutions based on a range
of options that include the provision of new inland terminals.
Planning authorities as well as port,
train, and terminal operators also have to consider the trend to
larger ships, which might cause deep-water quays to be built at new
locations. FCP can advise on the wider implications to be considered
in such developments.
The restructuring of channel tunnel
finances is likely to restore the competitiveness of through rail
movements and FCP has a number of highly skilled consultants who have
detailed experience in negotiating access rights for international
services and associated performance monitoring systems.
