The Polish operator says this is the biggest order so far and the new cars will be used for intermodal transport, a segment in which PKP Cargo is recording a continuous growth.
The flat wagons will be used for the transport of containers and the procurement co-financing will be used from EU funds. These types of wagons will facilitate the loading and unloading and the transport of as many containers as possible, an essential aspect for PKP Cargo’s customers.
“This procurement is part of PKP Cargo Group’s long-term development strategy. Intermodal transport becomes one of our characteristics and, every year, this business segment increases by at least 12%. So far, this year, we shipped 4.5 million tonnes of freight in intermodal transport. Figures for 2019 could be similar, so that we could meet customers’ demands with the acquisition of new flat wagons. These customers require not just the efficient transport of their cargo, but also an increased attention for the quality of their services. This means that we have to renew our rolling stock fleet”, believes Czesław Warsewicz, Chief Executive Officer PKP Cargo. The significant growth of intermodal transport was due to the intensification of transport volumes on the New Silk Road, a corridor on which Poland plays a major role.
“Intermodal transport will grow on both the New Silk Road and the European North-South Corridor which links the Baltic Sea, the Adriatic Sea and the Black Sea”, said Warsewicz.
Moreover, PKP Cargo also plans to buy multi-system locomotives for international freight transport. These vehicles would allow a seamless transport without requiring the shift to electric locomotives when the trains enter a country where traction is dictated by other technical parameters than in Poland.
PKP Cargo announced the signing of several letters of intent with Lithuanian Railways (Lietuvos Geležinkeliai) and Mercitalia Rail (cargo subsidiary of Ferrovie dello Stato), to develop rail transport between the two countries. Cooperation between the three countries will stimulate and develop international cargo transport on the European North-South Corridor.
Moreover, with the same goal of developing intermodal transport, PKP Cargo’s Manager said they were working on the progress of PKP Cargo Centrum Logistyczne Małaszewicze, a company where they would develop both necessary infrastructure and intermodal terminals.
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