ÖBB Rail Cargo Group (RCG) has successfully tested the first Vienna – Kyiv freight train through the TransFER intermodal network, paving for a regular connection between the two cities.
The train test, conducted partnership with Ukrainian Railways (UZ), departed from Kyiv to the Rail Cargo Terminal BILK in Hungary at the end of September and successfully transported non-craneable semi-trailers carrying building materials by rail.
The new connection between Kyiv and Vienna runs as required, with a stop in Budapest, and will offer the first regular, high-frequency intermodal connection between Ukraine and the numerous hubs in Central Europe. There are also other means of ensuring the flow of goods between Ukraine and the EU besides intermodal transport. The RCG continues to transport 150,000 tonnes of Ukrainian grain into the EU.
This is a completely new concept, because until now it was only possible to transport the non-craneable semi-trailers on this route by truck, as is normally the case in the industry. This first for rail transport is therefore not only a blessing for the environment, but also eases the ongoing difficult situation with regard to the shortage of truck drivers in the Ukraine, RVG says.
Non-craneable semi-trailers are possible to be transported using by r2L – roadrailLink – innovative handling and transport technology developed by the wagon hire company VTG in conjunction with its partner Vega International. This solution makes it economically viable to load any type of non-craneable semi-trailer. This means that otherwise non-craneable trailers can be lifted with a crane and used in combined transport. The fully galvanised r2L solution is a platform that can be lifted vertically into and out of a pocket truck using either terminal cranes or reach stackers.
The launch of Vienna – Kyiv freight train is part of agreement signed by the two companies in May 2023 aiming at the development of the intermodal connection, with ÖBB Rail Cargo Group providing traction from Ukraine’s border on the European gauge system.
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