The global transport and logistics provider has agreed terms to operate the iPort Rail multimodal freight terminal at iPort in Doncaster.
Theo Cohen
The UK subsidiary of MEDLOG SA, part of the MSC Group of companies, has agreed terms with pan-European logistics specialist Verdion to operate its iPort Rail multimodal freight terminal at iPort in Doncaster.
The global transport and logistics provider is taking a long-term lease of the facility with handover expected to complete in Q1 2024. Lifting and storage of containers at the iPort Rail terminal will be performed under the MEDLOG brand. iPort Rail’s current 27-strong team will remain in place with a focus on business as usual for existing customers.
As part of the transaction, Verdion will now commence work on Phase 2 of iPort Rail, doubling the current size and storage capacity of the terminal and increasing the number of trains it can accommodate daily, as well as continuing the low carbon movement of goods to existing iPort occupiers. Planning consent has been secured and work is expected to start in Q1 2024, with the expanded terminal expected to come into operation in Q1 2025.
“Rail freight is proven to be an efficient, reliable and more sustainable method for transporting goods and is vital for the UK economy. It also has a key role to play as Doncaster and the region transitions to lower carbon growth”.
“Doubling the size and storage capacity along with an increase in the number of daily trains at Doncaster iPort will unlock further capacity and logistics growth for the region” said Councillor Glyn Jones, Deputy Mayor, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Business.
Theo Cohen
iPort is one of the UK’s most significant multimodal logistics hubs, and the largest in the north of England. The 800-acre facility is located five minutes from Junction 3 of the M18 just outside Doncaster, close to the A1 and M1, with rail connections via the East Coast Main Line to the UK’s major seaports.
When complete iPort will extend to 6 million sq ft of logistics and light industrial accommodation operating 24/7. Alongside iPort Rail, Amazon, CEVA, Fellowes, Lidl, Woodland Group, Maritime Group and Euro Pool Systems already have operations here, with further names expected as the newest buildings on the park are leased. Further warehousing facilities, the largest extending to 848,000 sq ft, are also planned.
Theo Cohen
Its on-site, open access rail terminal – iPort Rail – was opened in 2018 by HRH The Princess Royal, with daily services now running to/from Southampton, Felixstowe, Immingham and Teesport. It has secured the Government’s Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status.
John Clements, Executive Director of Verdion, said: “The economic and environmental benefits of rail freight are clear, and we have significant untapped potential here at iPort to increase provision and support national and international supply chains. This agreement with MEDLOG will underpin current operations as well as creating a strong platform for future growth, including more business and employment opportunities across the Doncaster and South Yorkshire region.”
Dan Everitt, Managing Director of MEDLOG UK, said: “iPort Rail is strategically located less than five minutes from junction 3 of the M18 motorway in England and it will continue to be an open access terminal, with operations continuing seamlessly and without interruption to its customers. The investment in the iPort Rail terminal is part of the group’s continued investment in intermodal infrastructure in the United Kingdom.”
Colliers and CBRE supported Verdion on the transaction and, with GV Property, are the retained leasing agents for iPort. Verdion’s longstanding partner in the development and management of iPort is the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP).
www.iportuk.com / www.iportrail.com
iPort is the UK's most advanced multimodal logistics hub offering unparalleled connectivity. Its central location provides easy access to the Humber Ports and 5 major motorways M18, M1, A1 (M), M62, M180 and it includes an impressive iPort Rail Freight Terminal providing units with direct access to the UK National Rail network and Channel Tunnel to Europe.
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