Logistics business to become new operator of major rail freight terminal

The UK subsidiary of MEDLOG SA, part of the MSC Group of companies, has agreed terms with pan-European logistics specialist Verdion to operate its iPort Rail multimodal freight terminal at iPort in Doncaster.

The global transport and logistics provider is taking a long-term lease of the facility with handover expected to complete in the first quarter of 2024.

Lifting and storage of containers at the iPort Rail terminal will be performed under the MEDLOG brand. iPort Rail’s current 27-strong team will remain in place.

As part of the deal, Verdion will now start work on phase two of iPort Rail, doubling the current size and storage capacity of the terminal and increasing the number of trains it can accommodate daily, as well as continuing the low carbon movement of goods to existing iPort occupiers.

Planning consent has been secured and work is expected to start in quarter one 2024, with the expanded terminal expected to come into operation in quarter one 2025.

The 800-acre iPort facility is five minutes from Junction 3 of the M18 just outside Doncaster, close to the A1 and M1, with rail connections via the East Coast Main Line to the UK’s major seaports.

When complete it will extend to six million sq ft of logistics and light industrial accommodation operating 24/7.

Alongside iPort Rail, Amazon, CEVA, Fellowes, Lidl, Woodland Group, Maritime Group and Euro Pool Systems already have operations here, with further names expected as the newest buildings on the park are leased.

Further warehousing facilities, the largest extending to 848,000 sq ft, are also planned.

Its on-site, open access rail terminal – iPort Rail – was opened in 2018 by The Princess Royal, with daily services now running to and from Southampton, Felixstowe, Immingham and Teesport.

John Clements, executive director of Verdion, said: “The economic and environmental benefits of rail freight are clear, and we have significant untapped potential here at iPort to increase provision and support national and international supply chains.

“This agreement with MEDLOG will underpin current operations as well as creating a strong platform for future growth, including more business and employment opportunities across the Doncaster and South Yorkshire region.”

Dan Everitt, managing director of MEDLOG UK, said: “iPort Rail is strategically located less than five minutes from junction 3 of the M18 motorway in England and it will continue to be an open access terminal, with operations continuing seamlessly and without interruption to its customers.

“The investment in the iPort Rail terminal is part of the group’s continued investment in intermodal infrastructure in the United Kingdom.”

Colliers and CBRE supported Verdion on the deal and, with GV Property, are the retained leasing agents for iPort.

Verdion’s longstanding partner in the development and management of iPort is the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP).

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