VR Transpoint has launched electric freight transport on the electrified section of the Hyvinkää-Hanko railway line, a significant step towards more efficient and sustainable logistics in Finland.
With the completion of the electrification of the Hyvinkää-Karjaa section, the first commercial electric freight trains were operated to the Port of Hanko on Monday morning.
The move to electric transport is part of VR’s commitment to reducing emissions in logistics and promoting sustainable development.
“Electric rail transport is one of the most concrete ways to reduce emissions in logistics and promote sustainable development,” said Joni Lehtonen, Commercial Director of VR Transpoint. “With the electrification of this track section, we have increased our electric freight transport capabilities, offering even more responsible solutions to our customers.”
The electrification of the Hyvinkää-Hanko line improves the efficiency of the logistics chain, enabling transport to be carried out using a single locomotive without the need to switch from electric to diesel-powered engines. Going forward, VR will operate freight transport on this section predominantly with electric traction, utilising the latest Vectron electric locomotives. Notably, the electricity used by VR is fossil-free, further reducing the carbon footprint of the service.
Electrification also benefits the Port of Hanko, enhancing the port’s service capacity and streamlining transport operations. The improved accessibility of the port will provide customers with smoother transport solutions and more efficient port handling.
“The electrification of the track will significantly improve the Port of Hanko’s service capacity,” said Anders Ahlvik, CEO of Port of Hanko Ltd. “The route to Hanko will become more efficient and environmentally friendly, aligning with both the port’s and the EU’s environmental objectives. This development supports our goal of creating a more efficient transport route from production plants to customers, in close collaboration with all partners.”
Looking ahead, VR aims to increase the share of electric traction in its freight transport, but further electrification of the rail network is essential to achieving this goal. Electric locomotives allow for larger loads with fewer trains, further improving efficiency while reducing energy consumption and emissions.
“Investing in sustainable transport is vital for the competitiveness of Finland’s export industry,” Lehtonen added. “The more goods that are moved by rail, the more effectively we can reduce overall emissions from transport.”
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