One way ticket from Japan to Newcastle: Hitachi brings carriage to Port of Tyne

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A training carriage for the Hitachi Rail Europe plant in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham rolled off the 229 metre long vehicle carrier Höegh London and into the Port of Tyne on Sunday, signalling the end of a mammoth 52 day journey from Kobe, Japan.

The part assembled train carriage will become Hitachi plant’s training unit. It was built at Hitachi’s factory in Kasado and was transported from Kobe in Japan, traveling 12,880 nautical miles to reach the Port of Tyne’s Northern Terminal in Newcastle, UK.

The arrival of the training carriage represents a significant milestone for Hitachi Rail Europe, as a major investor in the skills development of its future workforce in the North East of England. 

Andrew Moffat, Chief Executive Officer at Port of Tyne, said: “The Port of Tyne has been working with Hitachi Rail, Höegh and NSA UK Ltd to ensure that this shipment goes smoothly.

“As the UK’s number one port for vehicle exports the Port regularly receives large car carriers arriving directly from Japan and has long established relationships with automotive and construction plant manufacturers including Nissan, Volkswagen, Renault, Komatsu and Audi.”

Darren Cumner, Manufacturing Plant Manager, Hitachi Rail Europe, said: “The arrival of the training carriage is a significant step for Hitachi Rail Europe’s plans to train our manufacturing staff. Apprentices, technicians and engineers will use this train carriage to gain in-depth knowledge of how to build trains. Shipping this carriage via the Port of Tyne is further testament to our commitment to working with local partners and promoting a strong local supply chain.”

The 26m long carriage will be stored at the Höegh Northern Terminal; one of three car terminals at the Port of Tyne, until it is transported to Hitachi’s training facility.

Graeme Wardhaugh, General Manager at NSA UK Ltd, said: “Our experience of working with the Renault Nissan Alliance and other companies such as Hitachi Construction Machinery has allowed NSA and Höegh Autoliners to develop the required skill base these global companies require to support their logistics requirements.”

Port of Tyne facts

• The Port of Tyne is one of the UK's fastest growing major deep-sea port - a vital trading gateway to world-wide markets
• Investment of over £120m in the past 10 years has created the infrastructure to deliver continued growth of the Port's diverse businesses
• The Port of Tyne adds £507m to the economy of the North East supporting 10.5k jobs

For more information, visit: http://www.portoftyne.co.uk/home/