As part of its intermodal solution and building on its experience with intercontinental rail deliveries between Asia and Europe, Maersk has arranged a block train from Japan to UK carrying sportswear and accessories, reads a press release.
First ever block train
Maersk´s forty 40’-container consignment has arrived at Felixstowe, UK, on 02 March, after its departure from Yokohama, Japan in January and having crossed Russia by both land and sea.
This first-ever product – operated together with railway provider Modul – is part of Maersk´s AE19 service which has connected Asia and Europe via the Trans-Siberian railway and the ports of Vostochniy and St. Petersburg since 2019.
Since its start two years ago, this is the first time that the AE19 services is making the full-size container train shipped with goods solely from Japan.
Alternative to shipping goods
Transit from Asia to Europe via Russia is becoming a more and more attractive alternative to shipping goods via the Suez Canal, even for such sea-borne routes as Japan to the UK.
Transit shipments from Japan to Europe were one of the biggest container flows via the Trans-Siberian railway 30 years ago.
Today, Maersk´s AE19 service is helping to re-open this important transit route for shippers in Asia and Europe.
Three weekly departures
AE19 is now offering three weekly departures and mainly carries goods between North East Asia and Northern Europe.
Due to the current pressure on the Asia-Europe Ocean networks, Maersk expects that transit shipments between Japan and Europe through the highly reliable Trans-Siberian operation on AE19 will continue expanding in 2021.
Did you subscribe to our daily newsletter?
It’s Free! Click here to Subscribe!
Source: Maersk
