The Xi’an International Port Area and Swiss intermodal operator Hupac have begun cooperating in the aim of boosting rail freight transportation between Italy and China. The first Milan-Xi’an train left Terminal Busto Arsizio-Gallarate destined for Xi’an, in the province of Shaanxi in north-west China. The Busto Arsizio-Gallarate terminal acted as a logistical platform for this new challenge. This is seen as a turning point for the intermodal transportation on the east-west axis.
The Milan-Xi’an Freight Express has a transit time of 18 days. The long-term goal of Hupac is a weekly frequency. For this trial period, the train will run on a monthly or bimonthly basis.
Hupac pursues a strategy of developing the intercontinental east-west axis as a natural integration to its traditional markets in Europe. It has had branch offices in Moscow since 2011 and in Shanghai since 2016, and with the procurement of own rolling stock for the Russian broad gauge, Hupac has prepared the ground for new business areas in the East and Far East. The overall aim is to establish a channel that connects resources, products and markets between west and east.
The new service will allow Italian and Chinese businesses to develop stronger trade ties. The latest agreements signed by the two parties are set to support connections and new growth opportunities in both markets.
Source: Hupac
