Eurocarex to provide express transportation by rail in Europe

Roissy Cargo Rail Express Association and European Intermodal Association (EIA) have signed a “Memorandum of Interest” in Brussels in preparation for the launch of the rail express network “

Eurocarex” which would have clear environmental benefits, the Belgian newspaper Le Lloyd reported.

The project is aimed at creating a European high-speed rail network to transport express andcargo shipments from 31 March 2012 onwards. The plan is to run trains between a new express freightstation at Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport and other airports such as Lyon, Lille, Liege,Amsterdam, Cologne and London, with other airports being added later. The key project membersinclude French railway operator SNCF, Air France Cargo, FedEx, La Poste and TNT.

According to Yanick Paternotte, the president of Carex Cargo Rail Express, Eurocarex willinitially employ 8 high speed trains specially designed for air cargo with a capacity to transportup to 100 tons of express shipments per train every night to corresponding terminals in Lyon,Lille, Liege, Amsterdam, Cologne and London. Perfectly adapted to the loading of air containers,the trains can be reloaded in less than 45 minutes each.

In spite of the initial investment of estimated €600 million in the special trains and €300in terminals, Paternotte is convinced that the project will pay off. It is supported by theEuropean Commission, the local authorities, railway and airport directors and big integrators likeTNT and FedEx. The other two leading express carriers DHL and UPS also consider joining Eurocarex.

“It is a completely new means of transport in a market with a strong added value growing by10% annually”, Paternotte explained. According to the first business plan, the price should amountto about €400 per palette, Paternotte added.

The express market will make up the core business of Eurocarex, complemented through aircargo. Public authorities are tempted by the positive environmental impact striving to limit thenoise pollution caused by night flights, Le Lloyd further reported.

According to a study conducted by EIA, the transportation via high speed trains would reduceCO2 emissions up to 98% compared to air transport.

The Eurocarex network is planned to be extended to cities Strasbourg, Bordeaux, Marseille andFrancfort with 20-23 trains in service until 2015.