Intermodal train from Koper to Indija
The Metrans Group (controlled by the German Hhla) has announced the launch of an intermodal train route connecting the Slovenian port of Koper with the Serbian city of Indija, located between the capital Belgrade and Novi Sad, Serbia's second-largest city. Metrans already operates trains from the Slovenian port to Dunajska Streda in Slovakia and Budapest Csepel.
Intermodal train for mineral water from Cuneo to Prato
On July 26, 2024, FS Logistics Hub and Acqua San Bernardo signed an agreement for the rail transport of mineral water from the Piedmont springs in the province of Cuneo to the Central Tuscany Interport in Prato. The route spans 291 kilometers. Antonio Biella, General Manager of Acqua San Bernardo, explained, "The use of the train as the main mode of transport between Cuneo and Prato complements San Bernardo's ongoing efforts to reduce and offset CO2 emissions. We promote the development and use of sustainable packaging, such as aluminum, recycled plastic, and especially returnable glass, and we use water resources with great care and frugality."
Two road-rail lines by DB Cargo France starting in 2025
The French company DB Cargo France (controlled by Deutsche Bahn) announced that from the beginning of 2025, it will launch two intermodal rail connections. The first will be within France, from Metz-Nancy to Velenton (Paris), and the second will be an international route to the United Kingdom, passing through the Channel Tunnel.
Turkish Railport bimodal terminal to be ready in 2025
The German company managing the Duisport trimodal terminal announced that the construction of the Railport bimodal road-rail terminal in Kartepe, Turkey, has entered the final phase and will be completed in 2025. The facility, located 150 kilometers south of Istanbul on a 26.5-hectare area, represents Duisport's most significant foreign investment, valued at $1.37 billion. The German company holds a 33.3% stake, while the remaining 66.7% is owned by Turkey's Arkas Holding. The terminal aims to serve traffic between Asia and Europe.
Postponement of the Cherbourg-Bayonne rolling highway
The launch of the new French rolling highway service between the port of Cherbourg and Bayonne-Mouguerre has been postponed from late 2024 to spring 2025, with a target date of late March 2025. This delay is due to administrative setbacks in the construction of the terminals. The work at Cherbourg is expected to be completed by December 2024, while the Bayonne-Mouguerre terminal should be finished in the early months of 2025. The goal is to establish a rail connection for unaccompanied semi-trailers between France, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Spain. The project is funded by Brittany Ferries, the French government, and the regions of Normandy and Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
