Russian Railways, UTLC ERA and DB Cargo have launched a joint intermodal service for transit containers from China to Europe via Kaliningrad Commercial Sea Port. The services is routed from Xian to Kaliningrad and then to Rostock in Germany and Duisburg.
The first train carrying 49 40’ units with consumer goods departed from Xian in China on March 25 arriving to Kaliningrad on April 5. The same day, the containers were loaded on board a vessel destined for Rostock.
The estimated transit time will make no more than 14 days compared to some 45 days using the traditional ocean route.
The Xian – Kaliningrad – Rostock – Duisburg service is expected to become regular. During April, 5 trains from China to Europe and 5 trains from Europe to China are scheduled.