Member Article

Japanese training unit lands at Port of Tyne

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 18 January.

The part assembled train carriage will become Hitachi plant’s training unit. It was built at Hitachi’s factory in Kasado, Japan and was transported from Kobe Japan, traveling 52 days and 12,880 nautical miles to reach the Port of Tyne’s Höegh Northern Terminal.

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.

Chief Executive Officer Port of Tyne, Andrew Moffat, 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.”

Manufacturing Plant Manager, Hitachi Rail Europe, Darren Cumner, 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.

General Manager at NSA UK Ltd, Graeme Wardhaugh, 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 which these global companies require to support their logistics requirements.”