ÖBB's Rail Cargo Group (RCG) is connecting Ukraine to its intermodal network (TransNET) in partnership with Ukrainian Railways (UZ). The test train travelled from Kyiv to the Rail Cargo Terminal BILK in Hungary at the end of September and successfully transported non-craneable semi-trailers carrying building materials by rail. This is a completely new concept, as until now the non-craneable semi-trailers on this route could only be transported by truck, as is usual in the industry. The move to rail will also help alleviate the ongoing shortage of truck drivers in Ukraine.
This concept is made possible by r2L - roadrailLink - technology. The handling and transport technology developed by the wagon hire company VTG together with its partner VEGA International makes it possible to load any type of non-craneable semi-trailer economically. This means that otherwise non-craneable trailers can be lifted by crane and used in combined transport. The fully galvanised r2L solution is a platform that can be lifted vertically into and out of a pocket truck using either terminal cranes or reach stackers.
The new connection between Kyiv and Vienna runs as required, with a stop in Budapest, and will offer the first regular, high-frequency intermodal connection between Ukraine and the numerous hubs in Central Europe. In addition to intermodal transport, there are other ways to ensure the flow of goods between Ukraine and the EU: the RCG continues to transport 150,000 tonnes of Ukrainian grain to the EU.
