“Rail freight plays a vital role in keeping goods moving across the country, and its economic and environmental benefits mean it will remain an important part of our long-term investment strategy. West Northants is central to this vision, offering the connectivity, infrastructure, and wider potential needed to support our continued growth. Our Strategic Rail Freight Interchange at SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton demonstrates the confidence we have in the area and the major role it plays in our national network. Since 2019, we have invested more than £100 million in our rail terminal network, and Northampton will continue to be a major logistics hub serving our customers across road and rail as we expand rail freight capacity in the near future.”

John Williams, Executive Chairman

About Maritime Transport:

Maritime Transport is a leading UK logistics provider delivering a comprehensive range of services spanning road and rail freight, container storage, terminal operations, freight management, and truck sales.

Working with many of the world’s most recognisable brands across shipping, retail, manufacturing, and consumer goods, Maritime operates a national network employing more than 3,300 people across 40+ sites. This includes nine strategic rail freight terminals, more than 1,300 trucks, over 100 terminal handling machines, and 40+ daily rail services connecting the UK’s major deep-sea ports with inland markets.

Ongoing Growth:

When John Williams acquired Maritime Transport in 2001, the business was a small container haulier operating 136 trucks across five transport depots. Through two decades of investment, innovation, and growth, Maritime has evolved into a fully integrated road and rail freight logistics provider.  

This expansion has been driven by continued investment in people, infrastructure, and equipment, together with diversification of services and the strategic acquisitions of DHL Container Logistics, Roadways Container Logistics, and Wincanton Container Logistics, strengthening the company’s national footprint and operational capability.

A major milestone in this journey has been the growth of Maritime’s intermodal rail operations. The company has invested significantly in rail services for both domestic and containerised cargo alongside a growing network of open-access inland terminals, increasing rail’s role within UK supply chains. As a result, the proportion of cargo Maritime moves by train has increased from around 6% in 2019 to more than 25% today.

Why West Northants:

West Northants is natural fit for business, with a well-established presence in logistics, manufacturing, and commercial development. Its position in the heart of the UK’s logistics Golden Triangle offers direct access to major markets, along with close links to the national motorway network, ports, airports, and rail freight, making it particularly attractive for companies that rely on efficient, well-connected supply chains. Ongoing investment in transport and commercial infrastructure, together with a growing business community, adds to the area’s appeal.

For Maritime, West Northants offers a compelling mix of location, infrastructure, and customer proximity, with the benefit of a skilled local workforce. Their Strategic Rail Freight Interchange at SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton adds to this by giving them a rail-connected base in an important part of the country, well placed for future growth in rail and sustainable logistics.