Rail operator Hupac launched a new train connection this week between the port of Moerdijk and Rail Terminal Chemelot Geleen, both in the Netherlands. It runs with a frequency of three services per week. From Geleen, there are rail connections with Padova and Busto Arzisio in Italy. Moerdijk is connected with the United Kingdom via a shortsea line.

The connection between Moerdijk and Geleen is a collaboration between logistics service provider CCT Moerdijk, A2B-online, which provides the shortsea line to the UK, and the Port of Moerdijk. Manon Baartmans, commercial manager of the Port of Moerdijk: “We are pleased that this connection has been re-established. It strengthens the node function of our port as a multimodal turntable.”

Connection

Entrepreneurs in Moerdijk are also happy with the connection. André Mast, director of A2B-online: “With this new rail connection, we are taking an important step in the further development of Shortsea in the port of Moerdijk. I expect that we will take about 12,000 truck movements off the road every year. Especially at this time it is a wonderful development for both Moerdijk and Geleen.”

Luc Smits, director of CCT Moerdijk: “It is powerful of Hupac to stick to its long-term vision, especially in this special period. We have been talking about this for quite some time. The combination with Geleen is beautiful and more connections at Moerdijk show how important a good hub is.”