Russian logistics giant Fesco is planning to build a container terminal in Zabaykalsk, near the Russian borders with China and Mongolia. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Trutnev “instructed Russian Railways (RZD) to speed up the transfer of the necessary documentation to begin construction of the terminal as soon as possible”, Fesco posted on Telegram.

Fesco’s Vice President Boris Ivanov said that the facility will cost around 41,5 million euros (four billion rubles) and will be able to handle 1.5 million tons of cargo every year. Other than the terminal itself, the new complex will have a storage warehouse and a new rail connection. The terminal will be located at the Zabaykalsk-Manzhouli rail border crossings, one of the main Russia-China rail connections.

Russia and China intensify rail relationship

The two countries have intensified their cooperation when it comes to trade and transport, especially with the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with rail freight volumes significantly rising. At the end of 2022, for example, a new rail bridge connecting Nizhneleninskoye (RU) to Tongjiang (CN) was opened in November 2022. Moreover, the project for a new one from Dzhalinda (RU) and Mohe (CN) was approved in March 2023.

Other than new infrastructure projects, China and Russia are increasing rail freight services between them. In June, RZD and Fesco partnered up to reduce transit time between Moscow and Manzhouli with a new service dedicated to cars and e-commerce products. In July, RZD launched another new service linking Hunchun (CN) with Vladivostock (RU) for e-commerce and postal goods.

Also read:

• China-Russia electric car transport volumes increasingly turn to rail
• RZD continues offering discounts on the INSTC and other routes
• Fesco to build container terminal on key INSTC node