Maersk continues its focus on rail

An increasing volume of Maersk's freight at the Port of Gothenburg is moved by rail, including short-haul movements. They even have their own rail shuttle.

"We are aiming to expand our use of rail even further," states Karl Jivén, Sustainability Manager at Maersk Line Scandinavia.

The volume of freight moved to and from the Port of Gothenburg by rail has increased steadily during the past decade. Maersk have led the way by as far as possible opting for rail rather than road transport.

"Back in 2003 we reached a decision in principle that all our containers to and from the Port of Gothenburg would be transported by rail," states Karl Jivén.

"The only conditions were that it was physically possible and that the transport distance was in excess of 300 km."

The decision was followed by a number of measures aimed at increasing capacity. Maersk has built up solid expertise in efficient rail solutions and makes use of 20 or so rail shuttles, with the shuttle to Granudden (close to Gävle, north of Stockholm) operating as a pure Maersk shuttle. Rail is now also used for shorter transport distances.

Rail accounts for around 75% of the Maersk seaborne containers passing through the Port of Gothenburg – more than double the 2003 figure – and the annual carbon dioxide saving compared with road transport is 10,000-15,000 tonnes. Maersk is satisfied with the way things are developing but is nevertheless looking to the next level.

"In this context the Port of Gothenburg RailPort system has an important role to play," states Operations Manager Maria Sturgis.

"The concept is very good and we hope to be able to develop it in collaboration with our joint customers."
(Source:www.transportweekly.com)