Kombiverkehr intensifies Germany-Italy intermodal services
Frankfurt-based intermodal operator Kombiverkehr has increased the number of its trains running on two routes between Germany and Italy. Moreover, the company is planning to launch a brand new intermodal connection between the two countries.
In March 2022, Kombiverkehr, the German intermodal specialist, has added several departures for its existing rail freight connections between Germany and Italy. Starting from mid-March, the company’s trains run between Cologne and the Port of Trieste four times a week instead of three times as it was before. This intermodal service provides a direct connection between the two countries as well as opens up more options for multimodal shipments to Greece and Turkey.
“Containers and semi-trailers with a P400 profile not only reach northern Italy with just one booking but also Patras in Greece and Pendik, Çeşme and Mersin in Turkey with subsequent ferry services. Transit times range from four to six days depending on the destination,” Kombiverkehr commented. Thanks to the Frankfurt-based intermodal operator, the Port of Trieste has another rail freight connection to Germany, namely to Munich. There are currently three departures per week in each direction on the route.
Scandinavian option
Another enhancement was implemented by Kombiverkehr on the intermodal service between the Port of Rostock and Verona Interterminal in northern Italy. Since mid-March, there have been running seven trains per week in each direction. By using the ferry lines calling at Rostock, the customers can move their freight not only from Germany but also from Scandinavia and the Baltic States.
On 25 April, Kombiverkehr will launch a brand new intermodal service from Germany to Italy. It will connect Cologne with the Melzo terminal, close to Milan. The company’s trains will run five times a week (from Monday to Friday) via the Gotthard Base Tunnel. The new route also has an opportunity for transporting freight to Scandinavia via Cologne. “There are direct connections from Cologne to Malmö and via Hamburg and the Baltic Sea ports to other destinations in Denmark and Sweden, which can be booked throughout,” the intermodal specialist added.