Channel Tunnel operator Eurotunnel has reported a mixed performance from the two different types of freight traffic travelling through the UK/France rail link in 2007, according to Transport Intellegence.
The Eurotunnel shuttle service carried more than 1.4m trucks, the equivalent of approximately 18m tonnes of goods. That total, stated Eurotunnel, was 9% higher than in 2006 and was also higher than 2005, which was a record year for the company due to the transfer of traffic from the French port of Calais.
However, continued Eurotunnel, the fall in rail freight traffic through the Channel Tunnel continued in 2007. Only 2,840 trains (946 less than the previous year) made the crossing, carrying just 1.2m tonnes of goods (-23% compared to 2006).
"To bring an end to this situation, Eurotunnel has implemented a new pricing structure which is identical for all rail freight operators (existing and new entrants), simple (one tariff per train, irrespective of load) and competitive (€4,500 per train)," stated the company.
"Eurotunnel's subsidiary, Europorte 2, began operations on November 26, 2007. Currently this consists of traction for SNCF trains via the Channel Tunnel between Frethun and Dollands Moor and, in concert with SNCF, the ground operations of the frontier rail yard at Frethun."
Overall, Eurotunnel claimed 2007 had been a "remarkable year" for the company "with significant pro forma growth in revenues and traffic through the tunnel confirming, for the third successive year, its continued growth".
Total revenue for the year reached €775m, stated Eurotunnel, an increase of almost €50m, or 6%, over 2006 on a comparable basis, i.e. at a constant exchange rate and without the guaranteed payments from the railways (MUC) which ceased contractually at the end of November 2006.