Last Friday, 9th June, DB Cargo UK launched a major campaign to transport 100-metre lengths of railway track manufactured by British Steel to Belgium.
The first consignment travelled from British Steel's site at Scunthorpe to Muizen, northeast of Brussels, and took three days to arrive at its final destination. On average, one train a month will run for the next four years, depending on the customer's requirements.
British Steel is a strategic supply chain partner to many organisations across the globe, including Belgium's infrastructure manager, Infrabel, for its experience and expertise in producing high-quality rail products. Infrabel will use the 100-metre lengths of steel tracks as part of its ongoing work programme to maintain and renew Belgium's rail network.
DB Cargo UK is the UK's leading transporter of steel products and was responsible for the first leg of the journey from Scunthorpe to Calais, where its French sister company DB Cargo France took over for the second part of the journey to Muizen. The 100-metre-long rails were transported on IGA wagons, each spanning four wagons.
DB Cargo UK's Chief Sales Officer Roger Neary said the company had a long and proud history of supporting UK and European steel manufacturers and was looking forward to the challenge of exporting such an exceptional load for British Steel.
“Great care and skill is required to ensure that the rails can navigate a safe and smooth passage down to our international depot Dollands Moor, through the Channel Tunnel and on to Northern Europe.”
“A great deal of collaboration and planning has gone into this operation and I'm sure it made an impressive site as it made its way across the continent.”
Gregg Smith, Logistics Director, of British Steel, said: “Moving long length rails intercontinentally is a particularly complex process. We are delighted to have made such a successful start to this exciting partnership with DB Cargo and Infrabel. We look forward to future success together.”
