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Swiss firm pioneers Asia/Europe rail reefers

[ January 25, 2024   //   ]

The Swiss InterRail Group has added temperature-controlled rail transport between Asia and Europe to its regular services, following successful trials in 2023.

It uses diesel-powered 45-foot pallet wide reefer containers which can cool or heat on any mode of transport. Container performance and internal temperature are monitored around the clock with customers receiving at least one detailed report per day.

The containers each hold up to 33 euro-pallets, giving good air circulation within the container.

The company says that rail is faster than sea, cheaper than air freight, and no transshipment is necessary along the route.

In late summer last year, InterRail transported 13.5 tonnes of Swiss chocolate from the Basel region to Shanghai and miso ramen soups from Shanghai to Hamburg. The system operated effectively in temperatures ranging from -27 °C to +42°C.

Business development manager at InterRail Holding, Stefaniea Klermund, commented:  “Given the current situation in the Red Sea, our new product is an interesting option for certain sensitive/perishable goods that won’t stand the additional transit time caused by the alternative sea route via the Cape of Good Hope. In addition to the Europe – China route, we can also offer this service to and from Central Asia as well as within Europe.”

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