The service is scheduled to begin on 12 March, offering three round trips per week in each direction, with the initial journey starting from Rotterdam. The trip duration from Rotterdam RSC to Cologne-Eifeltor is approximately twelve hours. This service is now open for bookings by forwarders and logistics companies, with departures set for Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
The new route aims to provide a convenient option for transferring goods, with the inclusion of an optional transfer service within the Port of Rotterdam for better connectivity. It supports intermodal transport compatible with P400 loading units and allows the carriage of all dangerous goods, excluding classes 1 and 7. KombiRail Europe has been selected as the traction partner for this service.
Cologne-Eifeltor acts as a significant hub for Kombiverkehr, connected to various destinations within Germany, such as Munich, Ulm, Kornwestheim, and Basel in Switzerland, as well as international routes that include Slovenia, Italy, Spain, Turkey, and Greece. The operator emphasizes the efficient transfer of loading units between trains, highlighting the ability to connect the Port of Rotterdam with Melzo in northern Italy within 48 hours. This service expansion is part of Kombiverkehr's efforts to cater to the logistical needs of forwarding and logistics companies by offering additional transport options between Germany and the Netherlands.
