The Channel Tunnel, which opened more than 30 years ago as a major pathway for trade between the UK and continental Europe, remains significantly under-used for rail freight [The Loadstar].
In 2023, just over 1,400 freight trains went through the tunnel — an average of only five per working day. Today, that average is down to four.
And the link’s operator, Getlink (formerly Groupe Eurotunnel), estimates this represents just 10% of the annual capacity available — one million tonnes.
Interview with President of the National Research Centre for Transportation and Infrastructure Pavel Ivankin
At the end of 2020, the trade turnover between the Benelux countries and China amounted to about USD 98 billion, of which USD 26.09 billion accounted for exports to China and USD 71.86 billion - for import.
