Sustainable rail link for southern European fresh products opens
A new direct connection for fresh products from Valencia to Rotterdam was opened on May 6th. The refrigerated train connection for transporting fruits and vegetables is an initiative developed by the Euro Pool System, which is a supplier of logistics services and reusable packaging for agri-food distribution. For the project, Euro Pool has collaborated with logistics operator Shuttlewise and other companies in the retail and fruit and vegetable logistics sectors.
The transit time of 48 hours is the same as by road, but ensures a lower environmental impact. The link will result in eliminating 12,096 transports per year in a trailer and saving 22 million km of CO2 emissions, equal to 15,000 tons. This will result in between 70% and 90% lower emissions than by road. The round trip will take place three times a week, 48 weeks a year, and each train will carry 42 containers.
Similar CoolRail routes are planned connect other points in Europe, such as Germany, the UK and Scandinavia. There is also an expansion of the Mediterranean Corridor from Almeria to La Junquera, thus facilitating Spanish exports to northern Europe.
