Reviving Rail at Sheerness: From Trial to Transformation

Back in late 1996, Sheerness Docks witnessed its first rail freight movements in years, thanks to a bold trial under EWS’s Enterprise service. Victa Railfreight coordinated test runs of paper pulp traffic across 6 weeks, working alongside EWS and Medway Ports to make the operation possible. The trial required critical infrastructure work, including re-establishing a level crossing over the busy A249—initially as a temporary measure—to reconnect the docks to the national rail network.

The operation involved loading paper pulp into wagons to be hauled by Thamesteel locomotives. This marked a significant milestone: freight that had long been transshipped onto road could now move directly by rail, reducing congestion and improving efficiency. The success of these early movements demonstrated the viability of rail at Sheerness and laid the groundwork for future traffic.

📸 Doug & Chris Barrow

A short time later, following the success of the trial, EWS were able to secure a contract for greater quantities of paper pulp through Sheerness. Victa stepped in again; partnering with the adjacent steelworks and managing the pulp movements, which were approximately 500 tonnes each week in 3 tranches. Victa initiated the permanent upgrade of the level crossing, and managed this project on behalf of Medway ports. The project involved obtaining the level crossing order, supporting the design and ensuring that construction and commissioning didn't impact the pulp traffic, nor impact the steelwork activity. What began as a short-term experiment became a long-standing association with both Thamesteel and Medway Ports, showcasing Victa’s ability to deliver practical solutions and build enduring partnerships and soon attracted other traffics.

Why Enterprise Mattered

The Enterprise service was a game-changer for UK rail freight in the 1990s. Designed to handle smaller, irregular flows that didn’t justify full trainloads, it offered flexible, wagonload solutions for customers who needed rail but lacked the volume for traditional block trains. By enabling trials like Sheerness, Enterprise helped reconnect ports and industries to rail, supporting modal shift and sustainability goals long before these became mainstream priorities.

Victa’s role in these pioneering operations highlights the company’s commitment to innovation and collaboration—turning complex challenges into opportunities that shaped the future of rail freight.

Next time we'll take a look at the impact Sheerness had on EWS's efforts to develop automotive traffic by rail.

💬  Were you involved in the Sheerness pulp traffic era? Share your memories in the comments!