Toulouse, Bordeaux and Lyon in France will all be connected with the port of Barcelona in Spain via rail starting in early November.   The new service initiated by Maersk will be an alternative to sea shipping links with French Mediterranean ports and Northern European ports.   The aim is to reduce transit time between these destinations by twelve days.

The route between Barcelona and Toulouse will offer three weekly roundtrips, while the one Between Barcelona and Lyon will offer one.   Bordeaux will not have a direct connection but will be served via Toulouse.

One of the most important characteristics of this rail link will be its border crossing efficiency.   The interoperable train locomotives the partners will use will be key because they will save significant time on the Spanish-French border, considering that no change in locomotives or wheelsets is required.

Source: Railfreight