Coatbridge Freightliner Terminal Under Threat

[Put Kettle On]

So much for the much mentioned freight on rails
Seems to be under threat of closure

https://www.rmt.org.uk/news/rmt-calls-for-action-from-freightliner/

3 February 2020

RMT Press Office:

RMT calls for action now from Freightliner and Scottish Government to secure the future of key rail freight terminal

RAIL UNION RMT is calling on Freightliner Ltd and the Scottish Government to take immediate action to secure the future of one of Scotland’s key rail freight terminals at Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire. Freightliner Ltd is considering the future of the terminal threatening up to 100 jobs in the area which would cause lasting damage to the Scottish economy.


Following an exchange in the Scottish Parliament Elaine Smith MSP for Central Scotland asked the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon MSP: “Can the First Minister advise if the rail freight fund announced by the Scottish Government just last year at the Coatbridge terminal can be used to safeguard its future and the 100 jobs that may be affected”


The First Minister responded:


“I’m very happy to look into the specifics of that and come back to the member with a detailed answer. We would certainly want to be doing everything we can to secure the future and if that fund is available then we will want to make sure it certainly is.”


Mick Cash, General Secretary of RMT Union said:


“Freightliner Ltd and the Scottish Government must take urgent action and find a way forward to secure the future of Coatbridge rail freight terminal and the dozens of jobs that are under threat. We are ready to work with the Scottish Government and Freightliner Ltd to ensure that this vital rail freight terminal has a bright future and Scotland does not take a backwards step.

This follows on from question raised in Scottish Parliament last week

Coatbridge Freightliner Terminal

• Elaine Smith (Central Scotland) (Lab):
  I draw members’ attention to my entry in the register of interests, which shows that I am the convener of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers parliamentary group.
  
  I understand from the union that the Freightliner freight terminal in Coatbridge is currently under threat of closure. Will the First Minister advise whether the rail freight fund, which was announced by the Scottish Government just last year at the Coatbridge terminal, can be used to safeguard its future and the 100 jobs that may be affected?
  
  
• The First Minister (Nicola Sturgeon):
  I am very happy to look into the specifics of that suggestion and come back to the member with a detailed answer. We would certainly want to do everything that we can to help secure the terminal’s future, and if the fund is available we would want to make sure that it is used. Rather than give a categoric answer today, I want to have the opportunity to look into the matter and come back to the member properly.

• 
  
  Are Freightliner trying to force Sturgeon to cough up more money from the special tree she has .

 

[158756]

I don't know how the container traffic works around Coatbridge/Mossend, but last week RTT only shows about 3 trains a day running to the destination of 'Coatbridge F.L.T.'. It looks a very large site to sustain on that level of traffic, and is there enough demand for two terminals just a few miles apart?

 

[hwl]

I don't know how the container traffic works around Coatbridge/Mossend, but last week RTT only shows about 3 trains a day running to the destination of 'Coatbridge F.L.T.'. It looks a very large site to sustain on that level of traffic, and is there enough demand for two terminals just a few miles apart?

The new bigger proposed terminal at Mossend is probably a game changer (up from circa 325m to 775m per siding)
https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/16240369.terminal-expansion-at-mossend-is-a-game-changer/

 

[ScottDarg]

I don't know how the container traffic works around Coatbridge/Mossend, but last week RTT only shows about 3 trains a day running to the destination of 'Coatbridge F.L.T.'. It looks a very large site to sustain on that level of traffic, and is there enough demand for two terminals just a few miles apart?

The loss of the Russells contract probably hasn't helped matters.

Freightliner previously ran into Coatbridge F.L.T. on behalf of Russells Logisitics who share the site. DRS have since been awarded that contract and moved loading/unloading to Mossend. The result being less usage of the FL site

The new bigger proposed terminal at Mossend is probably a game changer (up from circa 325m to 775m per siding)
https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/16240369.terminal-expansion-at-mossend-is-a-game-changer/

Mossend is already tight for space at times following the above move of the Russells traffic and potential for new flows in the near future - so this investment would be welcome.

 

[Mathew S]

The problem with this is that it's getting impossible to distinguish genuine difficulties from RMT hyperbole. Are there any more reliable sources of information?

 

[Dr Hoo]

Another forthcoming change affecting Coatbridge is the new container terminal for Highland Spring (bottled water) under construction at Blackford. At present a lot of containers are roaded from Blackford to the Central Belt and loaded to rail there. In future direct trains (possibly working as portions of other services, splitting and joining around Mossend) will avoid the need for modal switch in Lanarkshire.