Rail freight services launched direct from China to Barking, London

With Britain Brexiting from the European Union, China has launched a direct rail freight service to London, as part of its drive to develop trade and investment ties with Europe. The Chinese government is keen to boost its economy in the face of slowing exports and economic growth.

China Railway already runs a freight service from Yiwu, Zheijiang province, in Eastern China and other European cities including Madrid, Milan, Duisburg, Moscow and Hamburg. The Train will take about two weeks to cover the 12, 000- mile journey and will be carrying a cargo of clothes, bags and other household items. Rail freights are cheaper than air freight and faster than by sea.

The proliferation of routes linking China and Europe is part of a strategy launched way back in 2013, following the former Silk Road trading routes.

The service will pass through Kazakhstan, Russia, Poland, Germany, Belgium, Duisburg and France before arriving at Barking Rail Freight Terminal in East London, which is directly connected to High Speed 1 rail line to the European mainland.

Brunel Project Cargo, a British Freight and logistics services company is set to offer an inaugural China-London direct intermodal rail freight service from January 1, 2017.

The train operated by Yiwu Times Industrial Investment, claims the service will be cheaper by 50  per cent and takes half the time as sea freight, with clearances including declarations and inspections will be completed together and available 24 hours a day seven days a week, saving time