NEWS\\\


Issue 2 2015 - Freight Business Journal


7


Electric fault caused Channel Tunnel fire


An electric arc between the overhead power line and a freight shuttle train was the cause of the fire that closed the Channel Tunnel for several days from 17 January, according to an investigation. The probe, which is being led by the French Bureau d’Enquetes sur les Accidents de Transport Terrestre (BEA-TT), found that the shuttle had already entered the last SAFE station which is fitted with a water mist system designed to control a fire on a stationary train. Without electrical power, the driver of the shuttle had to make a controlled stop in the tunnel. Two trucks on the shuttle were totally destroyed and there was also damage to rolling stock, railway infrastructure and the tunnel lining. Earlier, Rail Freight Group chairman Tony


Berkeley wrote to the Channel Tunnel Inter Governmental Commission asking them to review the design of the open lorry shuttle trains, following the fire. Previous fires had led to the tunnel being


partly closed for several months while damage was repaired. Planned mitigating measures to prevent the


fire from causing damage or closures had not been successful in preventing long periods of full or part closure, he said. Berkeley added that the design of the lorry


shuttles also caused other problems as the result of the further problems as the catenary (overhead power lines) in the tunnel is being damaged by turbulence.


More services for Dover truckers


Motis, the Irish-based freight services specialist that took over the Freight Services Agency and truckstop in the Port of Dover in 2012, is investing £1 million to develop the site. Cargo handling facilities are being upgraded to include ambient, frozen and chilled storage and transhipment. Safety and security is being further enhanced with 1km of new fencing, upgraded ANPR and additional CCTV equipment. The work also includes new toilets, showers, launderette, catering and TV lounge for the 320-space


dedicated truck facility. Additional services include HGV Levy and Dart Charge payment, Customs Clearance, TIR Sealing, POD dispatch and digital tacho download. Motis FSA general manager Rob Hardy, said:


“It has taken a little longer than anticipated to start the key works on site, but we have been able to provide an interim service. We aim to be the benchmark for truck parking and have many innovative plans to further add value which we will be implementing over the coming months.“


AV Dawson opens state-of-the-art steel store


Prospective parliamentary candidate for Richmond, North Yorkshire, Rishi Surik, officially opened North East logistics company AV Damson’s new 102,000sq ſt, £6.5m steel store in Middlesbrough on 11 February. The facility is the third and final phase of a £12.5m scheme, part-financed with £1.2m from the Government’s Regional Growth Fund. Other investments included a £2.6m intermodal rail terminal, Tees Riverside Intermodal Park (TRIP), and a new £3.4m deep water quay. The store has an innovative air handling


dehumidification system to prevent condensation and ensure the steel is kept in pristine condition with both heat and power being supplied by ground source heat pumps driven by solar panels. There is space for up to 58,000 tonnes of


steel coil, and a rail track running direct from Middlesbrough Goods Yard. More than 270,000 tonnes of steel per year will arrive by rail from Port Talbot, South Wales before eventually heading by road to Nissan’s Sunderland plant on Damson’s fleet of specialist trailers. Mike Nightingale, head of logistics at Tara Steel


AV Dawson handled its largest ship to date at its North Sea Supply Base in Middlesbrough.


The 12,500dwt MV Lone owned by SAL Heavy Liſt arrived during the night of 12 February to


collect materials for the construction of another specialist vessel in Singapore.


Welsh port powers are welcomed


The Welsh Ports Group has welcomed government plans, announced in late February, to devolve certain transport functions including ports policy, to the Welsh Government.


However, questions


remained on how a Welsh ports policy unit would be resourced and the implications for ports policy elsewhere in the UK. Chairman Alec Don added:


“The Welsh Ports continue to believe in the preservation of a level playing field which includes not being put at any disadvantage relative to ports in other regions.”


Europe, said: “We’re delighted to extend our close cooperation with AV Dawson to improve our supply chain to the North East of the UK. The new warehouse underlines our commitment both to support our customers within the local area, and reduce the environmental impact of our activities.”


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