Europe is currently experiencing a paradoxical phase in its logistics development. Significant public investment, notably through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), is funding large-scale projects, with most funds allocated to modernizing the rail network. This investment promises enhanced global connectivity and logistics optionality in the long term. However, the short-term reality is that active construction, fragmented regulations, inconsistent booking systems, and varying border handovers across countries are actively disrupting supply chains and creating friction.
Maersk Intermodal – Multi Carrier Service
The Maersk Intermodal – Multi Carrier service is positioned as a solution designed to provide inland agility and supply chain reliability today, even amidst infrastructure disruption, while also strategically preparing businesses for the benefits of future logistics corridors.
Addressing the Corridors Under Construction
- The Middle Corridor (Caspian Rail-Ferry-Rail) This corridor is quickly gaining capacity, with volumes roughly doubling in 2023 and rising further in 2024. Transit times already falling significantly (from 38-53 days to 18-23 days). However, it is still maturing, suffering from challenges such as sea crossings with wait times up to two weeks, low speeds, and a shortage of vessels.
- North Sea–Mediterranean and Med–Europe Rail Corridor This critical route, linking Iberian ports to Central and Northern Europe, includes significant projects like upgraded Spanish high-speed freight track and the Lyon Turin base tunnel (still under construction). Disruption is set to continue along this route due to temporary closures, ongoing works between France and Germany, and limits at the Lyon-Turin axis.
Unlocking Inland Agility Today
The Maersk service helps businesses turn the construction years into a competitive advantage by bridging operational gaps and offering extensive flexibility:
- Ocean-Agnostic Model The service is not tied to a single ocean carrier; it collects cargo from any carrier. This allows for easier rerouting of inland flows and provides greater freedom for ocean booking, all coordinated through a single Maersk point of contact.
- Extensive Inland Network The service offers optionality and scale through its vast network:
- 440 weekly trains across Europe.
- 130 barges on core waterways.
- 700+ vetted trucking partners for first and last mile.
- Simplified Operations and Oversight Maersk orchestrates inland modes to reduce complexity, providing a predictable flow and harmonizing timestamps from all operators into a single, reliable ETA. A control-tower model monitors milestones to trigger quick actions, such as re-slotting pick-ups or moving cargo to the next available departure if cancellations occur.
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Source: Maersk
