A new automobile-dedicated block train has departed from Dalian in China on 20 June, heading for Vorsino in Russia. The new service is a cooperation of carrier BTE, operator Maersk and Dalian Ji Yi Logistics. The service will be established as a regular line in the future, BTE revealed.

The block train departed the Chinese city on the east coast at 9am on Thursday, embarking on a 18-day journey to the Russian terminal close to Moscow. The train -loaded with 150 cars- is covering 8,000 kilometers and is expected to roll into the Russian terminal on 8 July.

Success of rail

The launch of the rail freight service indicates the success of the New Silk Road, with rail being a competitive mode of of transport between China, Russia and Europe. Although the city of Dalian is situated on the coast, the rail service covers the journey nine days faster than a vessel.

The Dalian-Vorsino block train is not the first to be operated by BTE. Block trains already departed from Qingzhou, in the eastern Shandong Province to Russia. “BTE will always play an active role in committing to the policies of the local governments, and will always explore potential markets for block trains between China, Russia and Europe”, commented Wanxu Dong, managing director of the company.

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