The logistics and rail freight service provider CargoBeamer has launched a first test train for semi-trailers from the port of Marseille Fos to the CargoBeamer-Terminal in Calais. On the route, 28 units were transported in an environmentally friendly manner by rail instead of by road.
The CargoBeamer Group is an innovative logistics service provider in the combined road and rail transport segment. As a pioneer of the large-scale decarbonization of freight transport in Europe, CargoBeamer's mission is to shift transport from road to rail with disruptive and cost-effective solutions. Like all CargoBeamer lanes, the test train consisted of both CargoBeamer-railcars and twin pocket wagons. The traction company was DB Cargo France. In Marseille, the train was handled inside the Marseille Manutention Ro-Ro terminal owned by CMA Terminals, a subsidiary of the CMA-CGM group.
"I am pleased to see the successful completion of our first test train between Marseille and Calais. In the Port of Marseille Fos, we have connected a highly interesting location in international supply chains to unaccompanied transport of semi-trailers on rail for the first time. Considering the fast growth of both the ports’ volumes and intermodal business in France, we are looking forward to exploring options of opening another CargoBeamer lane in this area,” said Tim Krasowka, Managing Director of CargoBeamer intermodal operations.
The carriage of semi-trailers from Marseille to Calais by rail has a significant environmental impact. Compared to road transport, the carbon footprint of each loading unit has been reduced by around 90%. This means a reduction of approximately 30.8 tonnes of CO2 emissions for the whole train compared to road transport.
The French port of Marseille Fos is a significant player in international trade. In 2021, an annual volume of 1.5 million TEUs was recorded. With 90 direct shipping lines, Marseille can transport goods to North Africa, the Mediterranean, and intercontinental routes around the world.
"The port of Marseille Fos has decided to fully support the destination growth in order to enhance its dynamism and development, as well as its attractivity by offering with its partners many economically interesting and environmentally friendly logistics solutions. This kind of new project initiated by CargoBeamer helps the port to position itself as one of the main RoRo hubs in the Mediterranean Sea area. This road-to-rail solution is contributing to reducing efficiently the CO2 emissions, which is, indeed, a strong axis of the port strategy,” emphasized Hervé Martel, President of the Port of Marseille Fos.
