The Spanish manager of rail infrastructure Adif and the Spanish association of chemical manufacturers Feique held a meeting to align rail infrastructure updates with the chemical industry needs and propel the rail transport market share. The meeting was held on 2 April.

The chemical industry accounts for 13 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP). There is a lot to gain for the rail freight industry from this sector, as it currently does not opt for rail as a modality very often. Moreover, specific safety requirements apply.

Alignment

Adif explained its management changes and projects, including the development of intermodal hubs and new rail tracks. It also updated the audience about the progress on the Mediterranean and Atlantic corridors.

The meeting came as a result of the agreement between Adif and Feique to adapt rail infrastructure updates to chemical industry needs, optimising investments in the long term. In addition, Adif and Feique are analysing how to improve the connection of chemical factories and ports with the national rail network. Feique previously organised a meeting to analyse how a no-deal Brexit would impact the Spanish industry.

Speakers

On behalf of the rail freight sector, Renfe Mercancias, Continental Rail, Captrain España, Transfesa, Tracción Rail, Medway, Transitia Rail, Logitren Rail, Low Cost Rail and Ferrovial Railway took part. TCS Trans Multirail, Combiberia, Transportes Portuarios and Tramesa shared their experience as intermodal operators. The chemical industry was represented by Repsol Basf, Cepsa, Ercros, Química del Cinca, Bondalti Chemicals and Maxam.