Code red snowstorm bends Dutch rail freight traffic
Rail freight traffic in the Netherlands has come to a complete standstill due to extreme winter conditions. Switches are buried in snow, and preventive measures taken have proven to be insufficient to deal with what...Read more
600 million euros scheme for German single wagon transport
A 600 million euro German scheme has been approved by the European Commission under the EU state aid rules. The scheme aims to provide support to single wagon rail freight transportation. With a duration until...Read more
Interoperability and in-between destinations pivotal for EU-Asia connection
The implementation of a fully interoperable connection of the corridors between Eu-Asia is of priority. Additionally, the provision of technical knowledge to countries that are part of the New Silk Road, and the improvement of...Read more
Report of Combined Transport estimates significant growth of market
Combined Transport market will have grown by nearly 150 per cent between 2009 and 2029. This very positive insight is part of the Report of Combined Transport, that was presented on 29 October. The International...Read more
Intermodality as a low-carb diet for Europe
“Europe needs a low-carb diet”. This was one of the statements made at the European Intermodal Summit 2020. It doesn’t refer to an actual nutritional value. Instead, it was used by Hupac’s CEO Michail Stahlut to...Read more
Corona crisis bright spot: a lot more space for freight on rails
With the cancellation of passenger trains in many countries during the ongoing corona crisis, an opportunity is born for the rail freight industry. The freed up capacity on some of the busiest lines are welcome...Read more
EU considers single window for rail freight
After implementing the Maritime Single Window, the European Commission is considering to extend it to the rail freight sector. This move could be set in a new transport strategy that is currently being developed by...Read more
Future for UK timber trains in Scotland
There are fresh calls for a more sustainable approach to the timber industry, and a new look at bringing back rail as the prime mover. However, even supporters say there are considerable commercial challenges. Timber trains...Read more
Faster freight pledge from Network Rail
Getting more freight onto the UK’s railways and off the UK’s roads, is dependent on making schedules more reliable, says Network Rail, the agency responsible for infrastructure capacity. Easier said than done says everyone else. Network...Read more
ÖBB increases rail capacity for driving ban Tyrol
ÖBB Rail Cargo Group has finished the preparation for the sectoral driving ban in Tyrol that will take effect on the 1st of January 2020. The rail freight operator is boosting its capacity of the...Read more
2019: the year of a much-needed reboot
Today is the last day of the year 2019, a good moment to look back at a very interesting year for rail freight in Europe. Four industry leaders look back, and share their ambitions for...Read more
Ukraine moves towards liberalisation of rail freight sector
The Government of Ukraine plans to liberalise the country’s rail freight sector. To this end, a pilot project will be introduced on railways. Until 4 December 2021, the private enterprises will be able to provide...Read more
Will EU transit via Russia become possible in 2020?
Five months after lifting the ban on the transit of EU fresh products to third countries via Russia, transportation of this freight is still not possible. To change this, Russia should create clarity about the...Read more
UK election landslide makes Brexit inevitable
The right-wing Conservative Party has won a huge majority in the UK General Election, on the back of a clear manifest pledge to ‘Get Brexit Done’. The very real probability now is that the United...Read more
Russia forms new rules for electronic seals transit goods
The government of Russia will develop the requirements for electronic seals to be used for transit goods from the EU to China. The new legislation should be composed by the end of July. The use of...Read more
Noise differentiated track access charges under review
The effect of noise differentiated track access charges (NDTAC) in Europe is under review. Since 2015, it is legally possible for infrastructure managers to include a malus or bonus in the track access charge for...Read more
Most freight trains on Rail Baltica will be intermodal
The Rail Baltica line that is to connect Poland with Estonia by European gauge railway in 2026 will be a great stimulus for intermodal transport in the Baltic region. 80 per cent of freight trains...Read more
New rail freight service for agricultural products Seville-Valencia
Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has started a rail freight service this week to link the fluvial port of Seville with the ports of Cordoba and Valencia. With this service the company is responding to agricultural...Read more
Trial rail freight service between Tilburg and Changsha
GVT and Hunan Xiangou Express Co will run a test train from Changsha in China to Tilburg in the Netherlands, departing on the 16th of August. The freight train will arrive seventeen days later in...Read more