Rail Engineering Specialist – CO₂ Transport (UK)

Rail Engineering Specialist – CO₂ Transport (UK) 

The client is exploring emerging opportunities in UK non‑pipeline CO₂ transport, driven by recent government discussions and increased strategic interest in alternative CO₂ logistics. The focus is on assessing rail-based transport options from industrial CO₂ capture sites to storage or utilisation locations.

Purpose of the Role: To provide high-level technical guidance on the feasibility, design considerations, and operational requirements of transporting CO₂ by rail. The specialist will review and critique existing internal work, advise on best‑practice engineering approaches, and support early‑stage concept development.

Key Responsibilities: 
Offer expert, high-level input on rail engineering solutions for transporting CO₂ from industrial plants.
Evaluate and critique the client team’s current technical assumptions and conceptual work.
Advise on rail infrastructure requirements, including:
loading and unloading systems
station/spur design
buffer arrangements
safety and containment considerations
Provide guidance on train operations and freight logistics, including scheduling, routing, and asset requirements.
Comment on European approaches where relevant (recognising differences in top‑loading vs. bottom‑loading systems, wagon design, and operating standards).
Required Expertise:
Strong understanding of UK rail engineering, particularly in freight operations and terminal infrastructure.
Experience with rail loading systems, ideally including hazardous or pressurised substances.
Knowledge of rail logistics, including consist design, freight movement planning, and operational constraints.
Ability to work from first principles and support conceptual engineering stages.
Desirable:
Experience designing or overseeing the construction of rail spurs, sidings, loading stations, buffer systems, or equivalent infrastructure.
Familiarity with European rail engineering standards or freight practices.
The role would suit:

A rail professional seeking a part‑time or advisory engagement; or
A specialist rail consultant with relevant freight and infrastructure experience.
Engagement Details

Type: Consultancy / Interim / Part‑time
Location: Remote with occasional site or office meetings (UK-based)
Duration: Flexible depending on project phase
Start: As soon as practical

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