A new train operator offering a zero-emission express rail logistics service for the UK and Europe recently showcased its automated system to reduce loading and transfer times during the Clean Futures Accelerator Programme’s demonstration day.
Varamis Rail is the UK’s newest train operator and the first high-speed, fully electric logistics operation on the UK rail network. Operating from Birmingham International to Glasgow, Varamis’ express service is fully electric and supports the targets of the Government’s net zero policy, as an environmentally friendly alternative to road haulage.
The operator aims to provide a viable alternative to traditional road and diesel-powered freight transportation, with a solution that is completely emission-free and sustainable because it doesn’t require the construction of new trains or infrastructure to facilitate journeys.
The company’s vision was heavily driven by the environmental benefits of light rail and the need for the logistics industry to reach net zero and the complexities around decarbonising long-distance road haulage.
Unlike conventional rail freight, Varamis’ concept utilises repurposed passenger trains that can pull into end-of-the-line stations and drive out in the other opposite direction. The trains can also run on the regular UK passenger network, accessing stations that regular freight trains are unable to.
Autonomous delivery solution
Through the Clean Futures Accelerator Programme, which is led by the Connected Places Catapult, Varamis Rail has been working to test and demonstrate its logistics service using a pre-programmed automated system to reduce loading and transfer times in a relevant rail freight environment.
Working at the Black Country Innovative Manufacturing Organisation (BCIMO)’s Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre, the operator has developed an automated solution to deliver goods from the track onto the train in a safely and effectively.
During the programme, Varamis Rail tested its pre-programmed automated system in a rail freight environment, utilising BCIMO’s recently refurbished T69 Tram. The solution was then showcased during the Clean Futures Accelerator Demo Day, which took place on 30 April at BCIMO.
Discussing the project, Phil Read, Managing Director at Varamis Rail explained: “The innovation of our service relates to the speedy process in cross transferring goods from a transfer dock onto our train. Our solution is about making that process quicker, whether by automation or a system put in place to ensure the service is fast and efficient.
“The goal was to create a new solution that is quicker and more efficient than existing logistic methods and can eventually be scaled up to other sites around the UK. This is the first of a kind for express rail freight in the UK.”
Regionalised sustainable deliveries
Express rail freight is a potentially huge market in the UK rail industry. Phil explained that all of the UK’s major towns and cities can play a critical role in delivering a decarbonised transport model to their local areas:
“We are promoting a trunk line haul element of goods distribution with electric trains supported by regionalised sustainable delivery solutions in towns and cities, including at our current site at Birmingham International.”
Varamis Rail’s first ‘proof of concept’ route is now in operation between Scotland – Birmingham International. Taking just four hours each way, this service is delivering a step change in overnight Anglo-Scottish express linehaul.
Operating overnight, the service is ideal for express parcel companies or 3PLs with fast-moving consumer goods looking to transport volumes for next-day delivery between Scotland and the Midlands.
Safe and efficient cross-docking
Taking part in the Clean Futures Accelerator Programme has brought numerous benefits to Varamis Rail’s solution, ranging from commercial support to providing a live testing facility at BCIMO.
BCIMO has been instrumental in supporting the technology and commercial aspects of Varamis Rail’s innovative service. The organisation has provided brand development, marketing solutions support and insights into data and research activities that can be undertaken, all funded through the Clean Futures Accelerator programme.
Terry Livingstone, Finance Director at Varamis Rail explained: “We were very proud to be part of the Clean Futures Accelerator Programme and to receive the support for our innovation. We believe it will be critical in offering a viable solution to the logistics sector in the future.
“One of our USPs is the speed of our delivery- cross-docking is important for us. BCIMO helped us find a cross docking solution to support the speed of service required. We’ve worked on an autonomous robotic solution that takes trollies off trucks and onto the train. This solution understands the path we need to be taking and has anti-collision mechanics to ensure our safe system of work remains intact throughout our service.”
Carbon reduction benefits
Varamis Rail has calculated that for every four-carriage train that it runs, the equivalent carbon emissions of six HGVs are saved. In addition, the express service also takes congestion off the roads and lessens the burden on infrastructure.
“If you look at the benefits of our service using a four-carriage train, on each delivery service from Birmingham to Glasgow on an annual basis, we can save 2,050 metric tonnes of CO2e. In terms of congestion, we take off 1.2 million truck miles which is the equivalent of 49 trips around the world. These benefits will be 41,000 metric tons of CO2 and 24 million truck miles saved once our fleet of ten trains are fully operational and utilised,” added Terry.
Looking to the future, Varamis Rail’s automated solution will enable it to grow the business through the acquisition of customers that can deliver on the platform and take the goods from the platform on the end journey.
Progress continues to develop quickly. In March, Varamis Rail unveiled its fifth train, only weeks after adding a fourth electric multiple unit to its uniform fleet of repurposed passenger trains. It now runs services into central London and has ambitious plans to stretch its services even further, eventually into Europe.
“There is a perception that rail is slow, unreliable and costly. Varamis Rail aims to educate people and change that perception. Its high-speed logistics service is quicker, cheaper and greener than any road travel,” Phil concluded. For more information on Varamis Rail visit: https://www.varamis.co.uk/
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