The recently inaugurated direct rail freight service connecting the city of Cologne, in the industrial heart of Germany, to the international commercial trading terminal of Barking in Greater London has been suspended just a few weeks after its much-applauded inauguration. The service, operated by TX Logistik, aimed to provide a commercial link between Italy, Romania, Turkey, via Germany, and the United Kingdom. However, the suspension has raised concerns about the viability and demand for such a connection, although the company has remained optimistic about a restart.