Regular Channel Tunnel rail freight set to return
UK: The UK government says regular intermodal container rail freight services through the Channel Tunnel are set to return following a deal on terminal control.
In a statement on 25 February 2026, the Department for Transport said it had earmarked 15 million pounds (around EUR 17m) for upgrades at Barking Eurohub, which Network Rail will take long-term control of.
Only a small share of Channel Tunnel rail freight currently operates as regular intermodal services, with most flows limited to bulk, single-customer traffic.
What the Barking deal changes
Network Rail will assume long-term control of the Barking site, which the government plans to develop as an international container rail gateway linking the UK network with the Channel Tunnel route.
The planned upgrades are intended to enable scheduled intermodal services, providing a terminal capable of handling regular cross-Channel container trains.
Rail freight has operated through the Channel Tunnel since it opened in 1994, but regular intermodal container services have been limited in recent years.
By shifting control of the site to the national infrastructure manager and committing funding, the government is seeking to provide a more stable access point for operators considering scheduled services through the tunnel.