APM Terminals has revealed that the introduction of new rail connections between several of its deep sea-locations is making the movement of goods faster and more secure.
APM Terminals Pipavav, one of India's leading multipurpose ports, opened a rail link to the Kanpur Inland Container Terminal in December 2018, providing customers with easier access to a vital trade gateway.
“The Polymer Express”, named after the cargo carried by a first train travelling via the new route, is also expected to reduce the environmental impact of transportation.
Read a Port Technology technical paper by Patrik Berglund about freight rates and where is the container industry is heading
With Pipavav one of India's leading gateway ports for liquid and dry bulk cargoes, the importance of offering safer transportation for hazardous goods has also been asserted.
Keld Pedersen, Managing Director at APM Terminals Pipavav, said: “This new connection will help exporters and importers to move their cargo faster and more safely using an environmentally friendly mode of transport.”
Friday Focus: Automated Gates at APM Terminals Gothenburg #PTIDaily SEE MORE: https://t.co/XgB7VShsT7@APMTerminals @PortGot #automation #trucks #gates pic.twitter.com/D1gH03i8a8
— Port Technology (PTI) (@PortTechnology) November 9, 2018
Other rail connections launched recently include routes to and from the Port of Vado Ligure, Italy, which specializes in the handling of fresh fruit and vegetables.
In the first phase of a pilot project, to boost transport infrastructure in the north of Italy, lower carriages suitable for loading extra tall “high-cube” containers are being used.
Patrick Verhoeven discusses how to create interconnectivity between smart ports in a recent Port Technology technical paper
APM Terminals Gothenburg has also invested in improved rail capacity and connectivity, a cost-effective initiative that ensures cargo can be transferred directly to ocean-going vessels without the need for transhipment.
The global endeavour has also affected operations in Mexico, APM Terminals Lazaro Cardenas offering a new block-train service to help avoid the congestion and delays commonly associated with other west-coast ports.
According to APM Terminals, this service is faster and provides added security compared to transferring cargo by truck.