In 2023, the Swiss InterRail Group conducted several experimental controlled-temperature rail transports using 45-foot containers. During the summer, they transported 13.5 tons of Swiss chocolate from Basel to Shanghai, maintaining a temperature of 12°C even when external temperatures soared to 42°C. In another journey, containers carried ramen rice soup from Shanghai to Hamburg, keeping an internal temperature of 10°C amidst external temperatures dropping to -27°C.
The success of this trial phase has encouraged the Swiss company to establish a regular service for controlled-temperature rail transportation from Asia to Europe. This comes at an opportune moment when the Red Sea crisis is shifting shipments from sea to rail. The trains load 45-foot containers, which can be cooled or heated depending on the cargo, powered by a diesel engine and capable of holding 33 europallets. The containers' location and temperature are monitored around the clock, with customers receiving daily detailed reports on their shipments.
Stefaniea Klermund, Business Development Manager at InterRail Holding AG, explains, "Given the current situation in the Red Sea, our new product offers an intriguing possibility for certain sensitive or perishable goods that cannot withstand the additional transit time caused by the alternative maritime route via the Cape of Good Hope. In addition to the Europe-China route, we can also provide this service for Central Asia and within Europe."
