GERMAN port operator Hamburger Hafen und Logistik's (HHLA) rail unit Metrans says it has increased the number of container trains travelling between Europe and China by 114 per cent
GERMAN port operator Hamburger Hafen und Logistik's (HHLA) rail unit Metrans says it has increased the number of container trains travelling between Europe and China by 114 per cent. The Covid crisis and capacity bottlenecks have given an added boost to rail transport links. 878,000 TEU was transported along the various rail corridors of the New Silk Road in 2020, which could double by 2025.
Metrans operated 913 trains in 2020 and 426 trains in 2019. The transport volumes of Metrans on the new Silk Road equate to 30,000 TEU.
'Thirty years ago we began transporting sea freight containers to the European hinterland. Metrans offered the first regular shuttle train connection between Hamburg and Prague,' said Metrans CEO Peter Kiss.
'Since this time, our network between European ports and its hinterland has grown every year. Additionally, we are one of the largest providers in the fastest growing market: rail transport between Europe and China,' said Mr Kiss.
Customers can now choose destinations across China as their start and endpoints. Currently, 60 to 80 Metrans trains connect Europe with key economic centres in China, such as Zhengzhou, Xian and Jinhua.
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