A pioneering underground freight transport technology, contained in Sefton Council’s 2020 ARUP Port Access Report [1], offers a sustainable and viable alternative to National Highways’ controversial Port of Liverpool Access Scheme, it is claimed [2].
The Save Rimrose Valley campaign has been fighting the government-led road proposal - part of its RIS2 package of road construction projects - for over 4 years. It interviewed senior representatives of Cambridgeshire-based Mole Solutions Ltd [3], proprietors of the technology, for the latest episode [4] of its ongoing podcast series. The interview explores how the technology works and whether it could be applied to the Port of Liverpool.
An underground freight pipeline would see containers collected from and dropped off at a purpose-built inland hub next to the motorway network and transported to and from the port, removing the need for HGVs to drive directly to the port’s entrance. Initial findings have estimated that the cost of such a scheme would be comparable to road construction, with savings to be made on subsequent maintenance. Crucially, the technology is electrically powered and zero emission at point of use, meaning it tackles both air pollution and CO2 emissions. Speaking on behalf of Mole Solutions Ltd, Technical Director, Stuart Prosser, said:
“We were happy to talk to the Save Rimrose Valley campaign about our technology and the possibilities that exist in relation to transporting container freight, or indeed any kind of goods underground. The need to maintain an effective supply-chain and to decarbonise our infrastructure have never been more relevant, with the impacts of Brexit and the climate emergency dominating the news agenda.
“The Port-City conflict is common across the globe. We believe we have come up with a solution. We want to help and both we and our delivery partners are ready to help. We would welcome the opportunity to work with Peel Ports, the Department for
Transport and Sefton Council to develop and deliver a system fit for the 21st century and beyond.”
Speaking on behalf of the Save Rimrose Valley campaign, Stuart Bennett, said:
“We are incredibly excited about Mole Solutions’ technology and the potential it has to be implemented right here in Sefton. Not only does it dismantle the case for constructing a new road; it would immediately improve living conditions for those living alongside the existing A5036 route. Everyone benefits, including port operators, Peel Ports.
“We defy anyone to come away from listening to this interview without feeling positive about the future. It is no exaggeration to say that it represents the answer to local people’s prayers. It blows apart the myth that this road proposal is the only option to cater for the Port of Liverpool’s expansion. It isn’t.
“This is a golden opportunity for Peel Ports to withdraw its support for National Highways’ road proposal and to get behind a truly sustainable solution. In doing so, they would transform how they are perceived by many of us living in the surrounding communities. We hope they grasp this with both hands for the sake of their business, our communities and the future of our planet.”
To hear the interview in full, search for "We Said No" on your podcast platform, or click on the link below.
Links and Contacts:
[1] Link to Sefton Council’s ARUP report which documents viable and sustainable alternatives to the movement of freight containers in and out of ports:
[2] Link to summary of Port of Liverpool Access Scheme:
[3] Link to Mole Solutions’ website detailing the application of the technology in a port scenario:
[4] Link to Mole Solutions episode of Save Rimrose Valley’s “We Said No!” podcast:
Contacts:
Contacts at Mole Solutions Ltd – available for interview/comment:
Stuart Prosser, Technical Director. Email Stuart.Prosser@molesolutions.co.uk Bob Silverthorne, Development Director. Email Bob.Silverthorne@molesolutions.co.uk