On the line to Hong Kong
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A contract to supply more than 200 74ft-long passenger cars for Hong Kong's billion-dollar underground railway development is keeping several people in Britain busy. Overseas Containers Ltd are responsible for shipping two a week from Metro Cammell in Birmingham — but not in boxes.
OCL scoured Hong Kong, Japan, Australia and Britain for suitable transport for the haul from Hong Kong container terminal to the railway depot but eventually had to commission the production of special bogies to attach directly to the carriages for the road journey from the ship. Drivers were brought from Hong Kong for training by Pickfords Heavy Haulage Ltd (who are doing the transport from Birmingham to Southampton container terminal) in the use of the specialised equipment.
In addition, special lifting gear had to be produced for service in the Southampton, Rotterdam and Hong Kong docks.
All this shows that Britain can make it if it tries.