Multimodal company Samskip and logistics provider Nunner Logistics have introduced new direct rail services between Amsterdam and Duisburg, in a new and far-reaching commitment to shippers using rail, road and waterborne transport services.
The new service will start on 20 August and will connect Samskip’s rail terminal in Duisburg, Germany, with TMA Terminal Amsterdam, The Netherlands initially with two weekly departures in each direction. Service frequency will increase to three roundtrips per week from September.
Nunner Logistics operates weekly trains from the Chinese cities of Xi’an and Changsha to Duisburg. With both Duisburg and Amsterdam linking seamlessly into Samskip’s European rail, road and short sea network, the six-hour rail transit between the two provides a transport option, optimised for prompt delivery of 40ft/45ft containers, reefer units, flat racks and tank containers.
The new rail shuttle has been launched in collaboration with TMA Terminal Amsterdam, the Port of Amsterdam and Duisport Group, with DistriRail to provide rail haulage services.
“Nunner Logistics transports a lot of containers from China destined for the UK on the new silk road, with most trains arriving in Duisburg without a suitable intermodal link onwards to the Dutch ports connecting to the UK. This new service bridges the gap, ensuring a sound intermodal connection for cargoes destined for the UK,” commented Erik Groot Wassink, director special products at Nunner Logistics.
Duisport Group chief executive, Erich Staake describes the connection as a “central project” in enhancing intermodal networks and supply chain resilience, while TMA Logistics chief executive Gerben Matroos sees the service as the means to “further shape Amsterdam’s position as a short sea hub.”