CJ Logistics Operates Direct Cargo Train Between Finland and China via TSR

Rising Sea Freight Rates and Capacity Shortages Highlight Alternative Transport Options Like TSR-Based Rail Transport

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Je-hoon] CJ Logistics announced on the 15th that its Chinese subsidiary CJ Speedex operated a direct freight train (block train) between Kouvola, Finland and Yanzhou, China using the Trans-Siberian Railway (TSR). A block train is a freight train composed solely of freight cars that travels directly from the departure station to the arrival station.

CJ Speedex's block train departed from Kouvola, Finland on October 19th carrying 41 FEU of pulp cargo (FEU is a unit referring to one 12-meter container) and arrived in Yanzhou, China on the 7th of last month. The train traveled a total of 11,670 km over 19 days. This distance is equivalent to traveling between Seoul and Busan 15 times round trip.

This operation is a pilot run to supply pulp, a raw material for paper, to a major Chinese paper manufacturer. CJ Speedex is currently negotiating with clients to establish regular service on the North Europe to China route.

CJ Speedex began operating freight rail service between Europe and China in 2017, transporting 2,956 FEU of cargo last year alone using the Trans-China Railway (TCR) and TSR. CJ Speedex plans to further activate block train operations between Europe and China based on the success of this pilot operation.

A CJ Logistics official stated, "Due to the recent increase in sea freight rates and shortage of shipping space caused by COVID-19, demand for alternative transportation between Europe and China is rising," adding, "Promoting block trains from Europe to China, which had been relatively limited compared to trains going to Europe, will help address container supply imbalances."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.