DB Cargo Scandinavia completed a freight train test to the northern Danish Port of Hirtshals on 2 May. The rail operator ran the test to demonstrate the feasibility of an intermodal freight route between continental Europe and Norway.
As part of the “Green Jutland Corridor”, a green logistics project that aims to connect Norway, Sweden and Denmark in an ecologically friendly manner, DB Cargo Scandinavia launched the pilot. The train arrived at the Port of Hirtshals, located at the northern tip of the Danish mainland, on 2 May. DB Cargo Scandinavia enthusiastically hailed the completion of the test: “A historic moment!”, the company said on LinkedIn.
A permanent rail route to the port is supposed to be a reality by the end of 2024. It is supposed to connect the port, which has direct links to Norway, to German Duisburg within 20 hours. The route will provide a more competitive and greener alternative to road transportation, and simultaneously relieve the congested Danish roads.
Great expectations
The CEO of the Port of Hirtshals, Per Holm Nørgaard, reacted with a sense of urgency to the arrival of the train. “There has been a lot of talk since the freight terminal was built – but it must end now. Action is now needed”, he said.
“In a strong collaboration with our partners, we are now launching this rail connection from the Port of Hirtshals, which gives Norwegian and North Jutland customers at the port completely new opportunities to create a green connection to the entire European continent, which is also faster. We have great expectations for the possibilities of the rail connection to the Port of Hirtshals”, the CEO added.
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