MORE rail freight services have been launched out of Felixstowe – but port bosses say extra investment is needed in the national network to meet targets.

MORE rail freight services have been launched out of Felixstowe – but port bosses say extra investment is needed in the national network to meet targets.

Freightliner Limited and GB Railfreight have both started new services from the port's north rail terminal.

Port managing director Richard Pearson said: "The port is committed to increasing the share of freight transported on the rail, and these new services will contribute towards this goal.

"These services provide clear evidence of the continuing demand for rail, but additional investment in the national rail network is essential if the Strategic Rail Authority is to achieve its objective of an 80 per cent increase over a ten year period to 2010."

Freightliner's service will go to and from Tibbett and Britten's distribution facility at Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal, while GB Railfreight's will connect with the expanded Hams Hall freight interchange near Coleshill.

Freightliner deputy managing director Peter Maybury, said: "Rail must at least match freight movement by road in terms of service and price, and we are confident that we are providing a realistic logistical choice to port users.

"This is our 16th service, and it targets premium logistic and maritime container haulage companies wishing to save time and money."

Phil McGrath, GB Railfreight's business development director, said the company's service was open to any shipper and did not rely on long-term contracts. It was a case of "turn up and go" for shippers that want to move as little as one container to or from the port.

There are now a total of 22 inbound and 21 outward bound trains per day from the port, as well as two forest products trains per day at its dedicated paper-handling rail terminal.