The Port of Tyne received its largest-ever shipment of biomass wood pellets for transfer by rail to Drax Power Station in late August. Over 62,500 tonnes were offloaded, giving capacity to generate power for 1.3 million homes. Biomass trains also operate from the port to Lynemouth Power Station in Northumberland. Still in unbranded Colas colours, GB Railfreight Class 60 No. 60056 heads north over the Tyne into Newcastle with such a train on September 4.
GRAEME PICKERING
TARMAC was named Business of the Year at the Rail Freight Group Awards, in recognition of its commitment to the growth and expansion of rail freight. The company’s work in encouraging the use of rail and examining options for decarbonisation was also highlighted.
Network Rail won Rail Freight Project of the Year for its freight train lengthening scheme at Southampton. Other winners included ABP, DB Cargo and Freightliner driver Heather Waugh, who was recognised for her work in encouraging more women to consider a career in rail freight.