The European Union could reconsider the implementation of sanctions on cargo transit to Kaliningrad. After the initial decision to ban the transit of some products through Lithuanian territory, followed by Moscow’s threat to retaliate, the...Read more
The Lithuanian government is again consulting with the EU Commission on implementing the fourth EU Sanctions package that includes a slow down of transit trains and goods on their way to Kaliningrad. This is after...Read more
The Eurasian Union of Rail Freight Traffic Participants (ESP) firmly believes that the performance of the rail container transport market in Russia will reach 2021 levels despite hurdles from sanctions imposed on the country. Moreover,...Read more
Hungary is moving ahead with the V0 rail freight line bypassing Budapest, despite the complicated relationship it currently has with Russia. Russia vowed to support the construction of the east-west bypass in February this year,...Read more
Since the beginning of Russia’s war against Ukraine, at least 6,300 kilometres of railways and 41 railway bridges have been damaged, with estimated costs amounting to at least 3,4 billion euros. This was analysed by...Read more
The Russian railways sector may face the deepest crisis in its modern history. The ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia and unprecedented sanctions imposed on Russia may throw back the industry for decades. However, there...Read more
Ukraine’s struggle to export tons of grain and other agricultural products might be close to a potential resolution. On 8 June, a Russian delegation led by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will visit Turkey to discuss...Read more
The Austrian railway company ÖBB has officially withdrawn from the joint venture responsible for the broad gauge extension from Kosice to Vienna. It has offered its shares for sale to its Russian, Ukrainian and Slovakian...Read more
The EU Parliament’s plenary session on 5 May adopted a resolution for more sanctions on Russia and extra support for the transport sector. Rail was not explicitly mentioned, despite the parliament acknowledging that “the conflict...Read more
Finnish state-controlled rail company VR Group is racing to terminate transport agreements with customers on the Russian route. The company sped up the gradual phase-out of traffic to and from Russia and started concluding agreements...Read more
State-owned Estonian company Operail has been the focal point of discussions lately. Operail is accused of continuing business with Russia despite the war and the imposed sanctions because of leasing wagons used in the war...Read more
Large car manufacturers that were once solid customers of rail freight between China and Europe are withdrawing from the New Silk Road. Apart from BMW and Audi, Porsche has stopped shipping its finished products via...Read more
Rail freight traffic between Finland and Russia will gradually cease after the existing transport contracts of state-controlled company VR Group end. For now, traffic is still possible. However, in the following months, this will not...Read more
State-owned Estonian Railways (EVR) will need state funding to cover the losses from stopping the transit of Russian cargo. Despite last year’s growth in transported volumes, the company needs to cover 10 million euros of...Read more
Rail freight traffic between Finland and Russia, is that still possible? Based on media reports, you would think it is not, but that is a misconception. It is the decision of one company to halt...Read more
150,000 wagons are currently stranded and remaining inactive on the Russian railway network. The situation is illustrative of the sanctions’ effect on Russia, which also creates a “hard operational environment for rail freight making it...Read more
RZD Logistics and UTLC ERA organised the first shipment of refrigerated goods between China and Russia by rail. The first train departed from the Nongzhong terminal in Shandong province, China, on 26 March. It will...Read more
The Finnish railway company VR will completely stop rail freight transport to neighboring Russia in the nearby future. This was decided by the board of the firm on Wednesday 6 April. It had made this...Read more
