A test train was run on 23 July 2011 to clear the way for large continental freight trains to run through to Britain via the Channel Tunnel and the high speed line from Folkestone to London.

The “train” was formed of a locomotive and just two wagons from Spanish logistics operator Transfesa.

But the test should clear the way for regular freight trains to be operated by DB Schenker.

The line from the Channel Tunnel to London, High Speed One, is the only European sized rail route in Britain.

DB Schenker Rail plans to follow this initial operation with the first full train of European sized swap bodies, with regular services introduced later.

Alain Thauvette, chief executive of DB Schenker Rail (UK) said: “This rail freight service is a historic milestone for European rail freight.

“For the first time ever, the larger swap bodies as used as standard across mainland Europe were transported to London in a fault free operation.

“The UK is now connected to the larger freight railway used across Europe.

“We will now deliver larger freight trains travelling from anywhere across Europe on the DB Schenker Rail pan-European network to London. This will increase modal shift between road to rail across Europe.”
The work to introduce rail freight services on to High Speed One has been supported by the European Commission’s Marco Polo programme.

Information from DB Schenker.