British businesses are set to gain direct rail freight links to mainland Europe following a government backed agreement to revive regular cross Channel intermodal services.
Announced on 25 February 2026, the deal will see Network Rail and its property arm Platform4 take long term control of the Barking Eurohub site in east [sic] London from Legal & General. The partners plan to unlock around £15 million of private investment to transform the site into a major international logistics hub.
The redevelopment will enable the return of regular intermodal freight trains through the Channel Tunnel, allowing containers to move seamlessly between rail, road and sea. British exporters could ship goods directly by rail to France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, while imports such as fresh produce could travel straight into London and the wider south east.
