A new direct train connection between Kiel and the Adriatic port of Trieste in Northern Italy, along Baltic-Adriatic Corridor has been established. “This is a milestone for Kiel as a logistics hub. The train is an ideal link for rapid freight transport between the Baltic and the Eastern Mediterranean Seas. The destinations of the train – Kiel and Trieste – are equally points of departure for efficient ferry lines to Scandinavia and to Turkey. The direct train connection was initiated by the logistics company EKOL. Stena Line, who transports the goods from and to Sweden with its ships, has accompanied the project right from the start and contributed decisively to its realization. The new direct train will relocate traffic from road to rail and is a showcase project on the European TEN-T corridor between the Adriatic and Baltic Seas,” Dirk Claus, Managing Director at Port of Kiel said.
TX Logistik is responsible and manages the entire transport chain of the connection from Trieste to Gothenburg for the Turkish logistics provider Ekol.
The first train started in Trieste on 25 January 2017 and arrived on 26 January in Kiel. It consists of sixteen double pocket wagons and can transport 32 load units. Trailers swap bodies and containers are accepted. To begin with, the rail connection is operated once a week in both directions. The transit time for the distance of 1,360 km is 26 hours. The goods are distributed from Kiel to their recipients in Northern Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Norway.
After a trial phase of several weeks, the train is supposed to operate in regular service from right after Easter. Depending on demand, the schedule can later be extended to two arrivals and departures a week at every destination.
Business partners from four European countries have been working with great commitment on the realization of this project for several months.
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