Freightliner Heavy Haul Limited became the first rail freight operator to utilise the new Doncaster North Chord for commercial service when it opened for use on Sunday 1 June.
Freightliner's Immingham to Ferrybridge service passed over the completed Network Rail project at around 1pm.
Martin Wilks, Director of Coal Services for Freightliner Heavy Haul said: "We welcome the opening of the Doncaster North Chord as an important new addition to Network Rail's infrastructure. This is an important project which gives freight trains a clear run towards the power stations, without incurring the performance risk of crossing the busy East Coast Main Line, and will improve the service we can offer to our customers. The movement of coal to generate electricity is vital in keeping the UK's lights switched on. Over 35 per cent of UK-consumed electricity is generated by coal moved by rail."