Freight convoys running between Italy and the Benelux region are increasing with the beginning of 2024. GTS Rail has increased its Bologna-Zeebrugge frequency from four to six weekly trains. Moreover, starting in February, Contship will upgrade from three to five weekly convoys between Milan and Rotterdam. Contship will implement this frequency increase as of 5 […]
Category: Rail freight
After cutting subsidies, Germany also increases track access charges
DB InfraGo, which took over Germany’s rail network management effective January 2024, plans to increase track access charges by 13,4 per cent starting December 2024. The decision follows a substantial 49 per cent cut in subsidies for track access fees, which will probably occur during 2024. Peter Westenberger, managing director of the association DIE GÜTERBAHNEN, […]
Ukraine records rail freight growth thanks to sea corridor restoration
Ukrainian Railways (UZ) transported 148,4 million tonnes of cargo during 2023. Between March and December, monthly cargo volumes were 23 per cent higher on average than the previous year. The Ukrainian rail operator attributes freight volume growth to the restoration of the sea corridor in the Black Sea. The monthly average over the entirety of […]
The keys to longer, more precise payload calculations
In the face of an ever more competitive market, it’s nothing short of a bid to revolutionise rail freight by unlocking unrealised efficiency and sustainability in British operations. The independent Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) recently collaborated with UK-based Railfreight Consulting to pioneer a more scientific and quantitative approach to calculating maximum payloads. Their […]
Huge investments in Russian Far East rail are no break with the past
Russia is planning to invest record-breaking amounts in its Far East railway infrastructure. Unprecedented investments in the East in the coming years might be interpreted as a break with the past and a move away from the West. However, it is unlikely that these investments signal a significant change in policy. The new investments will […]
Tri-mode traction is a freight reality for UK Rail Operations Group
Rail Operations Group has unveiled their groundbreaking tri-mode Class 93 locomotive. It’s a significant milestone for the UK rail industry. The specialist carrier, also known as Rail Operations UK Limited, has taken delivery of its highly anticipated tri-mode Class 93 locomotive, delivered from the manufactures Stadler. Designated as 93001, this revolutionary locomotive marks the first […]
RZD hopes for a successful 2024 despite multitude of issues
Russian Railways (RZD) hopes for a successful 2024, which is expected to be achieved by the increase in the volume of cargo loading as well as the improvement of other key indicators of the company’s performance. In 2023, cargo loading on Russian railways declined by 0,2 per cent to 1,232 billion tonnes on a year-on-year […]
Stagnant to stable outlook for French rail freight in 2024
After a difficult 2023, French rail freight is unlikely to fare much better this year, the head of a leading player in the sector has warned in an interview with RailFreight.com. “I think the market will be stagnant for three reasons. Firstly, there appears to be little sign that economic activity is picking up again, […]
HS2 materials by rail target reached and doubled says Minister Merriman
Huw Merriman, the UK minister for rail, whose portfolio also oversees the HS2 high-speed rail project, says construction is on target in one important metric. The HS2 materials by rail strategy remains at the heart of reducing carbon and creating jobs and opportunities. That strategy included the target of moving ten million tonnes of aggregate […]