Many new connections and departures were launched or announced this week. These include two services between the Netherlands and Germany. Three new lines were established to Italy; from Germany, Belgium and Austria. 

A new service commenced between the port of Rotterdam and Herne on 25 September. It now runs three times per week between the APMT II terminal and the western German city, but the intention is to increase frequency to six times per week soon. In that case, it will also include the CRo terminal in Botlek, Rotterdam.

The service was an initiative of APM, Rotterdam Rail Feeding and Maersk. The short-sea connection was added to enable smooth transshipment to the UK once the Brexit is a fact. From Herne several other connections ensure linkage to the German hinterland.

Geleen-Dresden

Also from the Netherlands is the new service Geleen-Dresden, to be commenced on 7 October. The service connects the Limburg area and east Germany with daily departures, announced operator Hupac.

Initially, the service will run four times a week in both directions, but after the first week of operations it will be increased to five roundtrips. IT is suitable for P400 semitrailers, the operator said.

Vienna-Melzo

Meanwhile, Rail Cargo Group announced the launch of a new railway line Vienna-Melzo. This service is to replace the Vienna-Piadena line by expanding further south. The new service runs twice a week in both directions and is also available for dangerous goods.

Melzo is conveniently located in the catchment area of ​​Milan. From Melzo a transfer to Bari, Ravenna, La Spezia and Lyon can be arranged. The Vienna South freight center is located directly on the southern route in Austria and on three trans-European rail axes. It therefore offers connections to Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria as well as to Slovakia.

Pordenone to Zeebrugge, Duisburg

A little further east in Italy is where the new train from Zeebrugge arrives. This service was set up with Lineas for washing machine manufacturer Electrolux. The new service also enables transshipment to the UK by ferry.

From the same Italian city another new train departed to the German hub of Duisburg on 16 September. Three times a week trains connect Terminal Duisburg Logport III (Hohenbudberg) operated by Samskip with the Hupac’s intermodal facility in the city of Pordenone. The new route is dedicated to containers and semitrailers.