Wear back on track! First trains run from Port of Sunderland in 18 years

Scrap metal merchants Ward Bros (Steel) Limited has hired rail freight firm DB Cargo UK to transport materials from its scrap processing facility at the Port to the Celsa Steel UK works in Cardiff.

As scrap metal is not compacted, the length and size of the MBA wagons means that a heavy weight of material can still be carried, despite its large size.

DB Cargo UK is currently operating one service per week, carrying around 1,250 tonnes of material on each train.

The scrap metal is then processed at the CELSA Steel Works to make products, including rebars used in the construction industry.

Sonia Hampton, Account Manager Metals at DB Cargo UK, said: "We are proud that Ward Bros chose DB Cargo UK for its first ever rail freight contract.

"We offer highly efficient solutions for transporting large materials built upon decades of experience working with companies across the metals sector.

"There is real value to customers in using rail freight to deliver their goods, including that it produces fewer emissions than road and can help to ease traffic congestion.

"As a company that strives to increase our eco-performance we are delighted that we are able to help Ward Bros deliver materials that will later be recycled and look forward to working with them on this new contract.”

Chris Hagg, Head of External Affairs at CELSA Steel UK, added: "CELSA is proud to be a part of this great British manufacturing story, which will see scrap delivered from Sunderland recycled into top grade and responsibly sourced steel in Cardiff.

"In supporting UK supply chains, we promote sustainability and support thousands of livelihoods across the UK.

"We can proudly say that our steel is: Made in the UK. To Build the UK."