CargoBeamer Expands Kaldenkirchen-Domodossola Connection

CargoBeamer, an operator of rail connections and terminals for non-craneable semi-trailers in Europe, is further expanding its strongest line. The route between Kaldenkirchen (Germany) and Domodossola (Italy) has been served with 17 round trips per week since the end of August.

(Leipzig/Kaldenkirchen/Domodossola) Operating on the Simplon line and through the Lötschberg base tunnel, a disruption-free operation of the line has been ensured in recent weeks, which were heavily dominated by the Gotthard incident in the alpine corridor. The new timetable now represents the largest density of trains ever operated by CargoBeamer on the Kaldenkirchen – Domodossola route and is also the highest frequency on a route exclusively operating between two terminals in transalpine combined transport for craneable and non-craneable semi-trailers in Europe.

With the new timetable, CargoBeamer offers its customers the greatest possible flexibility with up to four daily departures in each direction. As is customary on CargoBeamer connections, customers can transport not only craneable semi-trailers and containers but also non-craneable semi-trailers, P400, refrigerated, and silo trailers. The transport of each unit reduces the CO₂ footprint by an average of 79%, with the remaining emissions being offset by CargoBeamer through CO₂ certificates, making all transports completely climate-neutral. CargoBeamer continues to work with BLS Cargo as its traction partner.

Expansion of the Terminal in Domodossola Completed

Since the beginning of September, construction work to expand capacity at the CargoBeamer terminal in Domodossola has been completed. CargoBeamer acquired the property in 2021 and has been handling the first trains via reach stacker since March 2022. The expansion includes the extension of the three existing tracks for reach stacker loading and shunting to approximately 700 meters each, the asphalting of additional areas, and the creation of additional parking spaces for semi-trailers. Overall, the capacity of the terminal increases from 2 to 5 train pairs per day, eliminating the need for splitting trains into two halves. Some trains will continue to be transshipped at the adjacent Domo2 terminal, which is operated by DB Cargo Transa/FLS. In the next step, CargoBeamer plans to install its own horizontal transshipment technology, which will help Domodossola grow into a central hub for combined transport connections in transalpine traffic.

Further Step Towards Expanding Market Share

Nicolas Albrecht, Chief Executive Officer of CargoBeamer, says: “The increase in frequency on our historically strongest line Kaldenkirchen – Domodossola is another step in expanding our market share for transports between Germany/Benelux and Italy. The new timetable of 17 weekly round trips reflects our ambition and commitment to the transalpine corridor. In parallel with the new frequency, we are working to develop Kaldenkirchen and Domodossola as important cornerstones of our network into state-of-the-art CargoBeamer terminals with high capacities.”

Photo © CargoBeamer