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, signalling expansion of the facility in 2025.
The global transport and logistics provider is taking a long-term lease of the facility with handover expected to complete in the first quarter of next year. 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 start 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.
iPort is one of the UK’s most significant multimodal logistics hubs, and the largest in the north of England. 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.
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, London Gateway and Teesport. It has secured the Government’s Authorised Economic Operator 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, MD 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.”
