THURROCK'S two container ports have been significantly affected by the continued closure of a freight rail line following a derailment.

The incident happened at Barking on Friday (23 October) and since then the loop line between Barking, Dagenham Dock, Rainham and Purfleet has been out of action, with three stations closed until further notice as complex repairs are having to be made. The loop is used for most freight train services.

Freight services to and from London Gateway have been severely curtailed, while none are running in and out of the Port of Tilbury and Tilbury2.

A statement from Forth Ports, which runs operations at Tilbury, said: "The line is closed and no freight rail will run this week."

A spokesperson for DP World London Gateway told Thurrock Nub News: "As a result of disruption to the rail network we are currently operating a reduced rail freight service from our London Gateway terminal.

"We are working closely with customers and with Network Rail to minimise disruption while repairs to the network are carried out."

World Cargo News reports: "Freight planners need to balance against the dense passenger schedules on the alternative North London and Great Eastern Main Lines.

"Deep-sea container flows are being prioritised to prevent Thames Estuary port congestion, leaving transit times to inland hubs like Hams Hall, Birch Coppice, and Daventry extended while repairs continue.

More detail has emerged about the derailment which involved a GB Railfreight train travelling from London Gateway towards Hams Hall, Birmingham. The incident happened at around 13:10 on Friday, affecting the railway near Barking station.

Several container flat wagons were badly damaged, with images showing displaced bogies and detached axles. At least one wagon was too badly damaged to be recovered and is being broken up on site.

The damaged rolling stock is understood to have been dragged for around 2,000 metres, damaging track and overhead line equipment.

The freight train was running through Barking station's platform eight and also blocking an adjacent platform, restricting passenger movements through the area. It's understood that the recovery operation also resulted in a further low-speed derailment, which has exacerbated the recovery process.

A time and date for the complete restoration of services cannot yet be given says Network Rail.