The newly formed Ocean Network Express (ONE) and rail freight provider Freightliner have signed a deal to guarantee capacity on the main intermodal routes in the UK. According to ONE, the agreement realises a modal shift, subsequently removing 118,320 miles from UK roads per day and reducing greenhouse gasses by 67 per cent.

Freightliner, a subsidiary of Genesee & Wyoming (G&C), already worked with shipping companies MOL, NYK and K-Line before they gathered to become ONE in 2017. “Having previously worked with all three Japanese shipping lines, we look forward to continuing our close working relationship with our ONE colleagues and to making a positive impact on our environment, as well as easing congestion on our roads by moving more freight on rail”, said Adam Cunliffe, chief commercial officer of G&W’s UK/Europe region.

Saving CO2

Now that the shipping lines operate as a single company, they will save 180 tonnes of CO2 per day, a 13 per cent increase compared to when the shipping lines were operating independently, ONE pointed out. Derek Wakeling, product and network director at ONE Europe added: “With ONE and Freightliner working together in partnership, everyone benefits from a significant reduction in carbon emissions and we can continue to provide the high level of service that our customers expect from us.”