- Double the rail transportation volume along the New Silk Road
- Further expansion of TransFER connections to and from Asia
- RCG's successful internationalisation strategy helps domestic companies get “out of the crisis”!
In 2020, ÖBB Rail Cargo Group (RCG) transported more goods than ever before on the New Silk Road to and from China, around 70,000 TEU (twenty foot equivalent unit). This is twice the volume transported in the previous year of 2019. The number of freight trains was increased to over 700. ÖBB Rail Cargo Group aims to have 1,000 freight trains running on the Silk Road in 2021.
New Silk Road strengthens rail freight transport
"There can be no doubt that the Silk Road initiative is of enormous importance for Europe as well as for Austria, as it connects the European and Asian economies. Wealth and economic prosperity are created at trading points," emphasises ÖBB CEO Andreas Matthä, adding, "We see a wide field of activity along the New Silk Road. Not only along the three rail corridors between Europe and Asia, but also as a carrier to the European ports where the maritime Silk Road docks – such as Hamburg, Rotterdam, Trieste, Koper and Piraeus, among others. This is where the RCG can contribute its efficient hinterland connections."
Clients benefit from the powerful RCG network
As Europe's second largest rail freight operator, ÖBB Rail Cargo Group is able to strengthen and expand its market position by expanding its Silk Road activities. RCG clients from Austria also benefit from the growing international network.
By connecting the New Silk Road to the dense and high-performance network of ÖBB Rail Cargo Group, fast shipments with efficient onward distribution in Europe are guaranteed. RCG is thus helping its clients to gain a global foothold more quickly after the Corona crisis and supporting them in their growth strategies for “getting out of the crisis”!
The top products shipped by RCG from Europe to China last year mainly included refrigerators, staple fibres, heating systems, machinery/ spare parts, and furniture and fittings. Goods from the fashion, automotive, chemical and health industries (protective masks), amongst others, were transported from China to Europe by rail.
Growing market along the New Silk Road
A recent study by the UIC (International union of railways) shows promising future market potential for rail freight transport between Europe and Asia. The conservative forecast expects container volumes to double, while the more optimistic outlook assumes that they will triple from 2020 to 2030. The RCG is also working with its partners along the route to reduce the average transport time of currently around 16 to 18 days between Europe and Asia by around 3 to 5 days in the coming years. This can be achieved through digitalisation measures and process optimisation. An average transit time of 10 days is the target by 2030.
