ÖBB Rail Cargo Group and Ukrainian Railways Test New TransFER Route for Intermodal Freight Transport

ÖBB Rail Cargo Group and Ukrainian Railways Test New TransFER Route for Intermodal Freight Transport

(IN BRIEF) ÖBB Rail Cargo Group (RCG) in partnership with Ukrainian Railways (UZ) has launched the TransFER Vienna-Kyiv route, connecting Ukraine to RCG’s intermodal network, TransNET. The inaugural test train successfully transported non-craneable semi-trailers carrying building materials from Kyiv to Rail Cargo Terminal BILK in Hungary using innovative r2L (roadrailLink) technology. This solution allows the loading of non-craneable semi-trailers onto trains, providing an eco-friendly and efficient alternative to truck transport. The new route, with a stop in Budapest, establishes a regular, high-frequency intermodal connection between Ukraine and Central Europe, offering economic benefits and addressing truck driver shortages in Ukraine. RCG continues to transport Ukrainian grain into the EU, contributing to global supply security as a leading rail logistics provider in Europe.

(PRESS RELEASE) VIENNA, 4-Oct-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — The TransFER was presented for the first time at transport logistic Munich, and now the first test train is laying the foundation for further transports: the TransFER Vienna–Kyiv. The ÖBB Rail Cargo Group (RCG), in cooperation with the  Ukrainian State Railways (UZ), connects Ukraine to its intermodal network  TransNET at. The test train traveled from Kyiv to the BILK Rail Cargo Terminal in Hungary at the end of September and successfully transported non-cranable semi-trailers with building materials by rail. Until now, the non-crane semi-trailers on this route were transported exclusively by truck, as is usually the case in the industry – the premiere on rail for this route is not only a plus for the environment, but also relieves the current tense situation regarding truck drivers :internal shortage in Ukraine – a win-win situation.

Not craneable but still on rails.
This is made possible by the technology r2L – roadrailLink. The innovative handling and transport technology developed by the wagon rental company  VTG together with its partner  VEGADeveloped internationally, it makes loading non-crane semi-trailers of any kind economically feasible. This means that non-cranable trailers can be craned and can be used for combined transport. The fully galvanized r2L solution is a platform that can be lifted vertically into and out of a double pocket truck using terminal cranes or reach stackers.

Keep the economic engine running
The new connection between Kyiv and Vienna with a stop in Budapest offers the first regular, high-frequency intermodal connection between Ukraine and the numerous hubs in Central Europe. But beyond intermodal transport, freight traffic also flows between Ukraine and the EU: RCG continues to transport a good 150,000 tons of Ukrainian grain to the EU every month, thereby making a significant contribution to global security of supply.

Rail Cargo Group: ÖBB freight transport
As the leading rail logistics provider in Europe, we shape the industry. 365 days a year – 24 hours a day. In Europe and as far as Asia. With our presence in 18 countries, we connect people, companies and markets – from the first to the last mile. Our 5,887 logistics professionals from 34 nations enable us to bring 448,000 trains annually or around 1,230 trains safely to their destination every day. Every year we transport over 88 million net tons worldwide through efficient end-to-end logistics solutions. A rail share of 27.5% (preliminary value) of the total freight volume in Austria makes us the front runner in Europe. The operational lead company of the Rail Cargo Group is Rail Cargo Austria AG.

ÖBB
ÖBB has been shaping mobility in Austria for 100 years. As a comprehensive mobility and logistics service provider, ÖBB brought a total of 447 million passengers and more than 88 million tons of goods to their destination in a climate-friendly and environmentally friendly manner in 2022. The electricity for trains and stations comes from 100 percent renewable energy. With 95.5 percent punctuality in passenger transport, the ÖBB is one of the most punctual railways in Europe. With investments of more than three billion euros annually in the railway infrastructure, ÖBB is building the railway system for tomorrow. Group-wide, around 42,600 bus and train employees as well as around 2,000 additional apprentices ensure that more than 1.2 million travelers and around 1,230 freight trains reach their destinations safely every day. 

Media Contact:

Peter N. Thier
Head of Corporate Communications & Brand Management
ÖBB-Holding AG
mailto:peter-nikolai.thier@oebb.at

SOURCE: ÖBB