Samskip and Nunner Logistics will launch direct rail services between the ports of Amsterdam and Duisberg to improve trade across northern Europe.
In a statement, Samskip described it as a “far-reaching commitment” to shippers, using rail, road and waterborne transport services.
It is due to launch on 20 August, 2020, the new service will connect Samskip’s rail terminal in Duisburg with TMA Terminal Amsterdam, initially with two weekly departures in each direction. Service frequency will increase to three roundtrips per week from September.
Nunner Logistics currently operates weekly trains from the Chinese cities of Xi’an and Changsha to Duisburg.
Duisburg and Amsterdam will link seamlessly into Samskip’s European rail, road and short sea network, the company said.
The six-hour rail transit between the two provides a reliable and flexible transport option, optimized for prompt delivery of 40 foot/45 foot containers, reefer units, flat racks and tank containers.
The new rail shuttle has been launched in collaboration with TMA Terminal Amsterdam, the Port of Amsterdam and Duisport Group, with DistriRail to provide rail haulage services.
High frequency rail shuttles will also extend the penetration of short sea services into Amsterdam beyond Duisburg, to Sweden, Denmark, Poland, Italy and Turkey.
“We are excited to launch this missing link in our network and offer an even stronger intermodal product,” said David Besseling, Samskip Head of UK Trade.
“The combination of the Samskip rail and short sea service networks creates a variety of efficient long-distance intermodal services for a sustainable Door-to-Door solution.
“Together with our partners, we look forward to increasing frequency and geographical reach even further.”
Erik Groot Wassink, Director Special Products at Nunner Logistics, also commented: “Nunner Logistics transports a lot of containers from China destined for the UK on the new silk road, with most trains arriving in Duisburg without a suitable intermodal link onwards to the Dutch ports connecting to the UK.
“This new service bridges the gap, ensuring a sound intermodal connection for cargoes destined for the UK.
“It is also a wonderful intermodal addition for our services between the Netherlands, the UK and CIS countries.”
“This greatly enriches our current rail shuttle services on this corridor” added Sander de Roo, Managing Director, DistriRail.
Duisport Group Chief Executive Erich Staake described the connection as a “central project” in enhancing intermodal networks and supply chain resilience, while TMA Logistics Chief Executive Gerben Matroos sees the service as the means to “further shape Amsterdam’s position as a short sea hub”.
