Cooperation between all stakeholders is essential for the growth and full exploitation of rail as a relevant option in logistics transport.- The new corridor diverts maritime traffic from northern Europe and focuses on rail, an option that reduces emissions by 25%.
Valencia, July 28
Today at the public terminal of CSP Iberian Valencia Terminal, the inaugural ceremony of the new Valencia-Lisbon corridor, promoted by COSCO SHIPPING Lines and CSP Iberian Rail Services, the rail operator of CSP Spain, took place.
The event, presided over by Aurelio Martínez, president of the Port Authority of Valencia (APV), WAN Kun Managing director COSCO SHIPPING Lines (Spain) and the CEO of CSP Spain, Ken Chan, took place in the railway area of said terminal.
This new service stems from the diversion of maritime traffic from Northern Europe, driven by the shipping line’s commitment to rail, a transport alternative with a lower environmental impact. Comparing the Shanghai/Lisbon or Shanghai/Leixões service via Rotterdam, and connecting via Valencia with rail, the average reduction in emissions will be 25%. This new service includes two weekly sailings and has a cargo capacity exceeding 50 TEUs.
Albert Oñate, General Manager of COSCO SHIPPING Lines (Spain), stated that the group’s previous experience in the port of Piraeus served as a benchmark for the development of this service. In addition, they invested in creating proprietary software to monitor and adjust vessel itineraries according to the schedule, enabling them to provide a much more optimized service and ensuring that customers always have the necessary information.
For his part, Juan Ortí, advisor to the intermodal division of the CSP Spain group, offered a brief reflection on the evolution of the port sector and its outcome: the transformation of terminal operators into global logistics operators characterized by deep vertical integration. As a result of this evolution, Ortí highlighted the CSP Spain group’s investment focused on building a network of subsidiaries in Spain’s main hinterlands to address the enormous logistical challenge of the 21st century.
Finally, Aurelio Martínez emphasized the importance of continued investment in rail transport. The Port Authority of Valencia is committed to this initiative, as evidenced by its ongoing projects and investments. He also took the opportunity to thank the companies involved in developing this new line, which is the result of synergy between maritime and rail traffic. In closing, he shared the Port of Valencia’s rail figures for 2021, noting that 4,000 trains were operated that year, representing an average of 77 trains per week. He highlighted that this past July, more than 80 trains were operated weekly, reflecting the collective effort of all stakeholders and encouraging continued work in this area.
The Valencia-Lisbon corridor expands the port’s connections with the Iberian Peninsula, enriching its position not only as a leading port in the Mediterranean arc, but also internationally.
