2007 Reference Document for Groupe Eurotunnel SA PDF file size

6. DESCRIPTION OF EUROTUNNEL GROUP’S ACTIVITIESb) TerminalsCurrently, ten boarding platforms are in service on the French terminal and ten are in service on the British terminal.Both terminals were designed so that the number of boarding platforms could be increased to sixteen. At the date ofthis Reference Document, the construction of new platforms is not planned.In late 2005, TNU installed 24 self check-in lanes for use by Passenger Shuttle passengers on the French and Britishterminals.Similarly, self check-in lanes for Freight Shuttle customers were brought into service in April 2006 and at the sametime an automatic number-plate recognition system for trucks was installed.These systems have improved traffic flow, reduced operating costs and upgraded the terminals’ ageing check-insystems with new technology.6.3.2 Rolling StockAn increase in the existing fleet of 25 Shuttles does not form part of Eurotunnel Group’s current commercial oroperating strategy.6.3.3 Railway ServicesUnder the Railway Usage Contract, the Railways are entitled to use up to 50 per cent of the total signalling capacityof the Tunnel that is allowed by the signalling system. This currently amounts to ten standard paths per hour in eachdirection for Eurostar and Through Railfreight Services. Through Railfreight Services trains currently carry averageloads of approximately 400 tonnes on each train, although some trains are capable of transporting 1,000 tonnes offreight, and run at speeds of between 100 and 120 kph. An increase in the load of each train would enable theRailways to increase the traffic of goods trains without using extra Tunnel capacity. Similarly, increasing load factorson Eurostar trains and synchronising them so that they run in batteries would enable more passengers to betransported without using additional Tunnel capacity. Under the terms of the RUC, Eurotunnel Group may use anyunused excess capacity of the Railways if the Railways have not confirmed their capacity requirement by theprevious day. Use of this excess capacity provides Eurotunnel Group with additional flexibility in optimising the flowof traffic and scheduling Shuttle Services departures.6.4 System reliability6.4.1 Tunnel availability and maintenanceThe performance and reliability of the System have improved significantly since the Tunnel opened. The lack ofreliability of certain elements of the System caused traffic disruption in the past the situation has greatly improveddue to the correction of a number of technical deficiencies and the implementation of a revised programme for thecleaning, monitoring and maintenance of the fixed equipment. Scheduled weekly maintenance of the Tunnel isplanned and structured so as to promote efficient use of the Tunnel and cause minimal disruption to commercialoperations.Despite continual traffic growth, Eurotunnel Group has set an objective of limiting service disruptions due to fixedequipment failures to less than 0.75%. Tunnel availability was maintained at 99.25% (disruption rate of 0.75%) during2007. Eurotunnel Group will continue to monitor and analyse the causes of service disruptions and develop plans toimprove service quality.6.4.2 Rail replacementRail replacement is carried out as part of the normal maintenance programme. The second cycle of rail replacementbegan in 2005 and will continue until 2008, with no disruption to commercial services as at the date of this ReferenceDocument.35