Lithuanian rail operator LTG Cargo has run its first continuous pilot train across all Baltic countries. It is the company’s first independently run cargo train traversing all three Baltic states. As Baltic rail operators have faced financial difficulties due to a loss of freight from and to Russia and Belarus, they seek to diversify their operations internationally.

The pilot run across the Baltics used a single locomotive and was run independently by LTG Cargo. According to the company, this novelty increases the route’s competitiveness and removes the need for wagon transfers at international borders.

LTG Cargo states that it will soon start organizing transports through all Baltic countries. It also aims to increase its westbound transportation volumes and provide cargo services on the Rail Baltica line, which will connect the Baltic countries to the rest of Europe via Poland.

Pan-Baltic business 

Much like its Baltic counterparts LDZ Cargo and Operail, LTG Cargo pursues a policy of international expansion amid financial setbacks following sanctions on Russia and Belarus. Both Latvian LDZ Cargo and Estonian Operail earlier signaled their intention to expand internationally to make up for their losses.

Also read:

• LDZ Cargo expands in Estonia while Lithuania opens its doors
• LTG Cargo sets foundations for expansion in Estonia and Latvia
• Estonian Operail announces full privatisation in order to save itself
• EU: Rail Baltica needs to be done by 2030 with or without Riga