Ten years' experience of reliably transporting coal across Central Scotland was a key factor in DB Schenker Rail UK Ltd being awarded a new contract by ScottishPower to supply its Longannet Power Station, according to a company's statement.
Under the two and three-quarter year deal, DB Schenker Rail UK will transport up to four million tonnes of imported ESI coal per year from Hunterston port to the power station.
DB Schenker Rail UK has been transporting coal along this route for the past ten years, but under contract from the port. However, the company has now won the contract to deal directly with ScottishPower after a competitive negotiation.
Roger Neary, Head of Coal and Biomass at DB Schenker Rail UK, said: "We have offered a robust, reliable service on this route for many years, which put us in a strong position to secure the new contract. We are looking forward to working directly with the end user, ScottishPower, to build on our successful track record."
Longannet is Scotland's only coal-fired power station. DB Schenker Rail UK will be running up to 60 trains a week to keep it supplied with coal. The trains used on this route comprise class 66 locos pulling 23 HTA wagons, each with a 70-tonne capacity.
Derek Whitelaw, UK Domestic Coal and Logistics Manager at ScottishPower said: "A reliable and robust rail freight service from Hunterston to Longannet Power Station is critical to our coal logistics chain and we are looking forward to working directly with DB Schenker under this new agreement."
