Focus on Łódź: Contargo turns Polish city into European intermodal hub
Contargo Hatrans, the Polish subsidiary of the Germany-based logistics provider, is planning to turn Łódź into a European significant intermodal hub. To this end, the company is developing intermodal connections from the Polish city to Germany. Moreover, Contargo intends to construct a container terminal on the outskirts of Łódź and launch new regular connections from it.
Due to its location, Łódź is one of the main reloading hubs in Poland. Further investments have been allocated to the logistics sector of this region, including Contargo Hatrans Łódź, which is currently launching connections based on the container depot operating there and is getting ready to start the construction of a brand new terminal.
“We have slightly increased the area and scope of the container depot located in the Teofilów industrial zone (the area is located on the northwestern outskirts of Łódź – IntermodalNews.eu). At the same time, administrative procedures related to obtaining a permit for the construction of a modern intermodal terminal with an area of 6.4 hectares, equipped with two siding tracks, ultimately two container cranes, three-four reach stackers and a CFS (Container Freight Station – IntermodalNews.eu) warehouse located at the terminal are in progress. We are continuing our efforts to implement the investment,” assured Marcin Czachorowski, director for Contargo development in Poland and CEO of Contargo Hatrans Łódź Sp. z o.o.
Intermodal connections to Germany
Recently, the company, in cooperation with Spedcont and Lotos Kolej, launched the container services from Łódź to the Contargo terminals in Germany, Emmerich and Mannheim. Based on the recently dispatched full-loaded trains, a regular intermodal connection from Łódź to Mannheim is being prepared. Contargo’s offer will include door-to-door service in 45-foot containers, but also the possibility of transporting the sea containers and distributing them from and to China.
Future plans
“Based on the Contargo terminal network stretching from Switzerland to the Netherlands, we will also be able to offer deliveries to and from the area along the Rhine. We would like to launch the service from September 2021. The negotiations with partners are currently underway,” informed Marcin Czachorowski.
The company is plannig a regular line connection, initially once a week and ultimately two-three times. Transportation will be carried out in 45-foot containers, which are becoming more and more popular in Europe. From Mannheim, it will be possible to ship cargo to other terminals along the Rhine, namely from Basel to Rotterdam. The new connection will allow shifting freight from road to rail, which is in line with the sustainable development policy. Contargo also offers the option to use its container yard as a short-term external buffer store.
Lower Silesia
Besides Łódź, the logistics company is working on launching a new service that will connect the Contargo terminal in the Duisburg region with Lower Silesia. When it comes to further investments, apart from the project in Łódź, the company is also looking at other possible locations in Poland, so as to ultimately establish a network of its own terminals and connect it with the existing network in Germany, France, the Netherlands and Switzerland, as well as with Polish ports.