Short-haul blocktrains work too
Blocktrains can also be a better choice than HGVs over the relatively short distance of 150 km. This is proven by a seaport pre-feedering concept over such distances implemented by the intermodal service provider Robert Kukla.
The concept includes two weekly round-trips by blocktrain between Wittenberge and the seaports of Hamburg and Bremerhaven – with full containers carried there and empty boxes hauled back. The last 50 km to the manufacturer are covered by two CNG-powered trucks running a shuttle service.
This makes the transport solution completely sustainable. It offers the option of transporting thousands of containers annually by rail with 150 km pre-feeder links to the port. Kukla transports 180,000 units annually, 60% of which are carried on shortsea routes, and 40% by rail and truck. (ben)