On February 27, 2026, Maritime Transport officially opened its strategic rail freight hub in Northampton, UK. Located within the SEGRO Northampton Logistics Park and backed by an investment of over £80 million, the project aims to enhance rail logistics capacity in the Midlands region.
At the opening ceremony, Lord Peter Hendy, along with representatives from SEGRO, local government, and the industry, witnessed the launch of one of the UK's largest new rail freight hubs. This 17-acre facility connects to the West Coast Main Line via the Northampton Loop, capable of handling the UK's longest and heaviest freight trains, operating up to 16 services daily with a storage capacity exceeding 2,500 TEUs.
Integrated into the UK rail network in 2025, the hub subsequently launched a five-day-per-week intermodal service connecting Northampton with DP World Southampton. It became the first service to operate on the restored Oxford to Bletchley line, establishing a freight corridor across central England. Planned expansions will add more services connecting to major deep-water ports and UK freight hubs, further strengthening rail freight connectivity.
Maritime Transport also showcased its zero-emission road strategy, launching four electric heavy goods vehicles under its Maritime ZERO division. As a key partner in a government demonstration project, the company plans to deploy over 50 electric trucks and develop a large private charging network. Executive Chairman John Williams stated: "Shifting goods from road to rail is an effective way to reduce supply chain carbon emissions. Since 2019, we have invested over £100 million in developing our rail terminal network and plan further investments to enhance UK capacity and connectivity."
Lord Hendy noted that the facility demonstrates confidence in rail freight and supports the industry's development goals. Gary Walsh, Route Director for Network Rail's West Coast South route, added that this project showcases how collaboration can drive sustainable transport and low-carbon supply chains. The entire development covers 600 acres, adjacent to the M1 motorway, located within the logistics 'Golden Triangle,' and can reach approximately 90% of the UK population within four hours by road.
