November 11 Ruscon, part of Delo Group, in cooperation with TransContainer, also a Delo asset, Maersk, and Polar Star Ltd. have launched a block train to transport reefer containers to the Urals.
The train carrying twelve 40’ Maersk-owned units laden with fresh fruit from Turkey left Ruscon-4 terminal in Novorossiysk for Yekaterinburg in the Urals. The train includes an autonomous power station in a separate container to maintain the temperature in cargo containers.
Maersk provides through transportation in reefer containers from Turkey to the Urals, Ruscon is responsible for railway delivery, and Polar Star for the cold chain aspects of the service.
According to Delo, the new service will allow of reducing transit time down to 4 days, which is critical for perishable goods.
Next week, a second train is to run. In future, adding new destinations in Siberia is being considered.