UK backs Barking Eurohub for Channel Tunnel rail freight relaunch

The Channel Tunnel rail freight relaunch is edging nearer after a government-supported agreement aimed at restoring regular rail freight links between the UK and continental Europe, according to the UK Department for Transport.

Agreement for Barking Eurohub logistics hub

Under the deal announced on February 25, Network Rail and its property development company Platform4 will take long-term control of the Barking Eurohub site in east London, which is currently owned by Legal & General, as reported by Railway Pro. In addition, around GBP 15 million of private investment is planned to turn the site into an international logistics hub.

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Meanwhile, the aim is to put the infrastructure in place for a Channel Tunnel freight trains restart, with Barking Eurohub positioned as a gateway for cross-border rail logistics.

Channel Tunnel rail freight relaunch and intermodal trains

Supporters say the Barking Eurohub upgrade would allow the return of regular intermodal trains through the Channel Tunnel. Still, only a very small proportion of rail freight uses the tunnel, and movements are largely limited to bulk shipments for individual customers.

If routine services resume, UK businesses would be able to import and export directly by rail to France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, reducing dependence on road haulage and sea routes. At the same time, authorities argue that moving some freight flows from trucks to trains could help ease congestion on key routes in south-east England, including the Dartford Crossing and the M20 and M2 corridors.

Great British Railways rail freight strategy and growth targets

Industry representatives and civil society groups say the Channel Tunnel is underused for freight and has capacity to grow. Ben Plowden, chief executive of the Campaign for Better Transport, welcomed the announcement:

“The Channel Tunnel has played a major role in the UK’s economic prosperity over the last three decades, but it has been grossly underused for freight. Today’s announcement could change that. We welcome the government’s clear commitment to international rail freight, which, alongside domestic reforms, can support the economy, reduce road traffic, and contribute to a cleaner environment.”

Separately, the Barking Eurohub initiative sits within the UK government’s wider rail freight strategy, linked to rail reform and the planned creation of Great British Railways. The new body is expected to have a legal obligation to promote rail freight and meet growth targets.

According to official data, UK rail freight volumes increased by 5% in the 2024/25 financial year compared with the previous year.

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