PKP Cargo Terminale to increase transhipment capacity in Małaszewicze
PKP Cargo Terminale is implementing the expansion of the transhipment terminal in Małaszewicze and is considering the launch of new intermodal services to cover, among others, the Ukrainian and Turkish markets. Jacek Rutkowski, the company’s CEO, spoke about its plans at the TransLogistica trade fair that took place in Warsaw last week.
PKP Cargo Terminale is carrying out a project that includes the reconstruction of the storage and transhipment yard, extension of the B area with drainage, the extension of the tracks, relocation of the turnout, customs, garage hall and the transformer station as well as the construction of the parking. Owing to the investment, the terminal will be able to accept trains with a length of 750 metres. For the further plans, the construction of a terminal that could serve trains with a length of 1,050 metres is being considered, however, it will depend on the modernisation of the infrastructure by Cargotor. The project, which is being currently implemented by PKP Cargo Terminale, will increase the storage and handling capacity of the dry port in Małaszewicze.
“At our terminal, we can now handle six pairs of trains a day. Małaszewicze is a specific place, where not only containers are reloaded between wagons but a container depot functions. Currently, we can store 2,200 TEU. As a result, we are fully loaded with containers. Transhipment is easier with block trains. The modernisation will allow us to increase our storage capacity by 15 per cent. Our transhipment capacity will be also increased,” said Jacek Rutkowski.
New directions
In addition to transhipments between trains on the China-Europe route in Małaszewicze, new opportunities and directions are being considered, including handling container trains crossing the Polish-Ukrainian border. This applies not only to connections on the New Silk Road.
“Transport on the China-Europe route via Ukraine is possible but few are carried out probably for geopolitical reasons. At the beginning of the New Silk Road operation, such connections were organised. We have a terminal in Medyka, which is prepared for container transhipment and can serve this direction. Currently, the trains are running via the PKP LHS line to Sławków but these are small loads compared to what is transported via Małaszewicze or the Kaliningrad region. However, I still believe that Ukraine itself has a great potential for the development of significant intermodal transport across our border. We can also handle cargo flows from and to Turkey, via the Port of Odesa or Romania. I am convinced that such services will be provided,” said the CEO of PKP Cargo Terminale.