Hannibal: A new intermodal link between Italy, Hungary and Romania to start by 2024

An intermodal rail freight service linking Italy, Hungary, and Romania – precisely Contship Group's Rail Hub in Melzo – and the BILK and Arad terminals in Budapest and Curtici, respectively, will kick off by the end of 2024.

The link, intended for semitrailers, sea containers (20', 40', and 45'), and any other equipment including semi-trailer containers (with P385, P386, and P400 profiles) and swap bodies, will be operated as an open rail system.

The train will make two weekly circulations and will be able to carry up to 35 cargo units. In detail, departures from Italy are scheduled on Tuesdays and Fridays and in the reverse direction every Saturday and Tuesday, while the transit time will be 48 hours.

This connection will be more than 1,500 km long, involving a partnership between two operators: Eurogate Intermodal will handle traction in Hungary and Romania, and Oceanogate will manage the Italian route.

“To benefit from the new direct service – pointed out Andrea Spagnuolo, Contship's Sales & Business Development Manager – will be in particular all traffic coming from Turkey, strengthening Curtici's role as a freight hub connecting Romania and Turkey to Italy”.

The route adds to the more than 36 active weekly international connections and will link flows between Eastern and Western Europe.

This service is a key part of Contship's broader strategy of developing intermodal transport, which, in addition to being the most efficient and sustainable choice for medium to long distances, is increasingly confirmed as a mode of freight transport that allows for flexibility and optimal integration between different cargo units.