Freight trial at Georgemas was labour intensive but solutions being explored
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A TRIAL to test the commercial rail freight potential at Georgemas Junction was labour intensive and "very time-consuming" but discussions are to take place to try and resolve the difficulties.
That was said at a recent virtual meeting of the Dounreay Stakeholder Group (DSG) when an update on the exercise was given by former chairman, Roger Saxon. He was at the trail, which was undertaken by Nuclear Transport Solutions (NTS) and attended by DSG members and the Caithness Transport Forum.
Mr Saxon expressed doubt about the viability of the facility for commercial freight and said the process was "human resource heavy" and "very time-consuming."
Tor Justad, the chairman of Highlands Against Nuclear Transport, wondered why the system operated by the Tesco supermarket in Inverness could not be used at Georgemas. "It is quick and not labour intensive," he said.
Mr Justad claimed it is "a chicken and egg situation" and said companies will be unlikely to want to participate if the system is not viable but could be willing to get involved if it is more efficient.
DSG chairman, Struan Mackie, said the matter is being progressed through the Caithness Transport Forum and Chris Connelly of NTS. "It is something which needs further exploration. It is important to the community and business that we take advantage of it at a future date," he added.
A crane at Georgemas Junction handled flasks of nuclear waste from Dounreay but was not specifically designed for commercial containers. The demonstration showed it can move containers but slings are required. The siding used at the station can accommodate eight containers, requiring shunting operations for a train of commercially viable length.
There are a number of possible customers for container freight, including supermarkets and the transport of timber.
After the meeting, Trudy Morris, who chairs the Caithness Transport Forum, said: "We have long been exploring the potential for commercial rail freight using the railhead at Georgemas Junction. We were pleased recently that Nuclear Transport Solutions carried out a trial which demonstrated the technical capabilities of the crane with regards to handling freight containers.
"Our concern is that the process appears to be more time– and labour – intensive than at other rail freight terminals, and we would now like to understand how this might affect the possibility of commercial usage of Georgemas for rail freight.
"Chris Connelly has indicated his intention to visit the area to meet with members of the Forum and the Stakeholder Group. This will give local stakeholders an opportunity to discuss their concerns with NTS and to understand more clearly what the potential business development options for Georgemas are.
"Our ultimate aim is that the investment in the railhead at Georgemas leaves a lasting socio-economic benefit for the region, and we will continue to work with NTS and all relevant organisations to achieve this."
The demonstration involved two containers being loaded from road to rail and then rail to road. A video of the demonstration has been produced which shows the trial, railhead and showcases its uses.
NTS comes under the umbrella of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and deals with its rail and sea operations. It includes Direct Rail Services which was originally formed to provide transport of fuel flasks for the NDA.
