Eurotunnel

The Channel Tunnel, between France and Britain, is run by the Groupe Eurotunnel S.A. The main purpose behind creating this company was to build, and run a tunnel between these two destinations (France and Britain) and investing on it. This was created on August 13, 1986. Trains like Eurostar (passenger services) and DB Schenker (freight) when travel through the tunnel is charged (toll) by Eurotunnel. This happens to be their revenue.

TransManche Link was given the contract to build the tunnel by the company and its construction took approximately £9.5bn. President François Mitterrand and HM Queen Elizabeth II on May 6, 1994, in a ceremony in Calais, opened this tunnel.

It operates with railway (double track), which are in the main tunnels, of 31.4 miles or 50.5 kms. At Frethun (France) and Folkestone (United Kingdom), it has amenities of wide surface-level terminal. Its actions and processes are totally self-sufficient and self-reliant. It deals with trains passing on heavy goods vehicles and also shuttle trains, which convey cars, from one terminal to another. Euro tunnel manages signaling as well as electric traction supply at 25kV AC.

The operations of the Eurotunnel, that engage Eurotunnel Shuttle (car shuttle) has Eurotunnel Class 9 (locomotive). Then in France there are freight trains run by other Europorte (subsidiary) and also the channel freight services (through), carried out by Europorte 2 (prior to 2009). Rail transportation services are rendered, via Socorail Company to industrial sites, by the subsidiary as well. Here Eurostar happens to be the one which provides passenger services through Channel Tunnel. Eurostar, as mentioned earlier, has to pay toll, which is at present £25 per passenger (for each return journey), through Eurotunnel.

Rolling stock for various classes is mentioned as follows. Class 9 is an Electric locomotive (160 kilometer per hour), total 58 in number, operates through Channel tunnel and is utilized for vehicle shuttles. Class 92 Electric locomotive (140 kilometer per hour), 16 in number, runs through Channel Tunnel and used for freight services (by Europorte Channel). Class 0001 Diesel locomotive (160 kilometer per hour), total 5 in number, used as a Rescue locomotive. And Class 0031 also Diesel locomotive (50 kilometer per hour), total 12 in number, operated for shunting.

Eurotunnel owns and runs Eurotunnel Le Shuttle service (between Calais, France and Folkestone, Britain). There are separate shuttle trains for freight as well as passengers.

From the United Kingdom to continental Europe Eurotunnel Le shuttle happens to be a very gainful and convenient means of freight shipping. They carry on their activities all the 365 days in a year and that too for 24 hours continuously and the peak times involve six departures per hour. It has quick check in process and the transfer is less time consuming.

Eurotunnel deals with hauliers with 19 Freight Shuttles. Trucks and Lorries are transported here. Capable of transferring around 32 trucks, these are 745m in length and run with 140km/h speed. There also are car shuttle trains (closed wagons) which carry passenger vehicles.

Eurotunnel's Eurotunnel Le shuttle service allows you to move with your car with liberty, giving you just 35 minutes if crossing time. You can also enjoy your journey with caravans, motorcycle, bicycles, coaches, and high vehicles. Every hour, you get around four departures (peak times). You don't have any restrictions for luggage. Check-in should be minimum 30 minutes before departure. The credit/debit card used for booking and the booking reference number would be required here. With just your credit card (which doesn't get debited here), you can do your self check-in. At the terminals (Folkestone and Calais) shops and family amenities are also made available.