Maersk has launched its first rail service from Xi’an, China to Izmit, Turkey. This new route, which is part of Maersk Intercontinental Rail service network, will in addition to shorter transit time, aim to provide customers with wide network options connecting main locations in China and Turkey with a range of pre- and on carriage services.
“After having successfully launched our Intercontinental Rail (ICR) service from China to Europe three years ago we have seen increase in demand by our customers for this particular service from different locations across both Asia and Europe. Due to its strategic geographical location, wide industry sector as well as all ambitious initiatives taken by the government to improve the rail infrastructure across the country we decided to launch ICR in Turkey not only for those companies located within the country but also as a link between Asia and Europe”, said Kasper Krog, Head of Intercontinental Rail at A.P. Moller Maersk.
This rail service is intended for customers within the automotive and technology industrial verticals in Turkey and other segments which are in high need of fast delivery to market. Through a rail system across the country ICR aims to provide its customers with connections to Black Sea, Eastern Europe and Southern European countries via the port of Korfez in Izmit, by using the feeder network of Sealand a Maersk Company.
Depending on their supply chain needs the customers will be given the option of choosing different Maersk transportation solutions by rail and ocean, as part of the integrated offerings across ocean, logistics and services allowing them to react quickly to changing market demands. Customers will be offered to further benefit by taking advantage of using Maersk own equipment fleet, visibility and operational expertise throughout the journey.
This rail express service is set for weekly departures on each Tuesday subject to utilisation levels.
Source: Maersk
