Heavy Haul Rail operates first direct freight train to Sizewell C
Heavy Haul Rail operated the first commercial freight train delivering construction materials directly into the Sizewell C nuclear power station site, marking a significant milestone for both the project and the rail freight industry.
Delivering on behalf of our customer, Tarmac, the inaugural train delivered more than 1,000 tonnes of aggregate to the Suffolk construction site via the new Green Rail Route, which connects directly to the upgraded Sizewell branch line. The train forms part of a new overnight rail operation from Tarmac’s quarries in Derbyshire helping to maintain a reliable supply of materials for one of the UK’s most important infrastructure projects.
Rail will play a key role in Sizewell C’s logistics strategy, with the project targeting 60% of materials to be transported by rail or sea. Each train removes the equivalent of around 50 HGV journeys from local roads, helping to reduce congestion and lower carbon emissions.
Dave Penney, CEO at Heavy Haul Rail, said: “These first commercial freight train deliveries directly into the Sizewell C site are a landmark achievement for everyone involved in the project. This milestone demonstrates the success of years of planning, investment and collaboration to create a dedicated rail connection capable of supporting major construction activity, while reducing the impact on local roads and communities.
“We are proud to have been part of these first deliveries, transporting more than 1,000 tonnes of aggregate for Tarmac and helping establish rail as a key component of Sizewell C’s long-term logistics strategy.”
Will Pearson, Nuclear Commercial Director at Tarmac, said: “The arrival of the first trains is an important milestone for the Sizewell C project. Delivering the volume of materials required for a construction programme of this scale demands a reliable and flexible supply network, which we’ve worked closely with our logistics partners and the Sizewell team to establish and operate.
“Alongside our marine and rail operations at Barham and Ipswich, these direct rail deliveries are helping to maintain a consistent flow of high-quality aggregates to site, while reducing the impact on local roads and supporting the project’s freight objectives. The UK rail freight system is world-leading and capable of operating at over 97% efficiency, making rail an ideal means of supplying program-critical projects.’”
The nuclear power station is expected to be completed in the mid-2030s, providing clean and reliable energy to some six million homes.