A PORT operator has welcomed its first train at a new £3m rail terminal.

PD Ports is working alongside Freightliner as it looks to strengthen connections between Teesport, Felixstowe and Southampton.

It also hopes to deliver potential new routes to Scotland, the Midlands and the North-West.

The terminal, built by Owen Pugh Construction, which has a base in Blaydon, Tyneside, follows PD Ports’ £16.7m container terminal expansion in 2011.

David Robinson, PD Ports’ group chief executive, said: “We have invested significantly in expanding the services available and the arrival of Freightliner provides a greater level of service options.

“Teesport has the potential to further attract activity to sites with efficient low cost transport networks and we will continue to work hard to see this come to fruition.”

Keith Gray, Freightliner Limited’s commercial director, added: “To be competitive in UK container transport, rail requires well-positioned and high quality terminals, and this site delivers both.

“The new rail facility meets our requirements and the high standards demanded by our customers.”