New hoppers to increase rail transportation to over 10% for CEMEX UK
82 new CEMEX-branded hopper wagons are high capacity, track-friendly wagons that will maximise the amount of materials transported. Each wagon is able to carry up to 76 tonnes of materials for the production of asphalt and ready mixed concrete.
The replacement of existing traditional rolling stock to this new type of efficient wagons is a key element of CEMEX's six year contract with EWS Construction, part of English, Welsh and Scottish Railway Ltd.
The contract, the first of its type in the sector, began in 2007 and has enabled CEMEX to transport over two million tonnes of material per annum. This represents over 10% of the total materials transported and has allowed CEMEX to optimise efficiency and accommodate further rail growth as part of its commitment to sustainable development.
"The new wagons will enable CEMEX to move more material using fewer trains, thus reducing fuel consumption and the number of journeys made. CEMEX is committed to rail transportation, with emissions from rail five times lower per tonne transported compared to road. Additional advantages are the reduction of traffic congestion on the roads and lower costs per tonne for transportation." commented Lex Russell, Vice President Aggregates and Asphalt, CEMEX UK Operations.
CEMEX has an extensive network of railheads and depots across the country, from Selby in the north to Crawley in the south and as far east as Norwich. Further investment is planned in three new depots for the coming year, further endorsing rail as a key element of CEMEX logistics strategy.