by Radosław Pacewicz

Vice-President

the Office of Rail Transport (UTK)

The importance of the modern New Silk Road in serving international trade has been on the rise since the concept's introduction in 2014.

Even though the rail capacity is somewhat limited - it would roughly take 300 trainsets, each loaded with 70 TEUs, to match what a single biggest container ship can carry in one voyage - the rail business has other distinct advantages that in certain circumstances make it the preferable choice for those shippers and cargo owners who trade between the European and Asian economic powerhouses.

Depending on the payload and terminals' location, rail services between China and Europe are currently at least 30% cheaper than air freight. Trains are also two-tothree times' faster than oceangoing container vessels; it takes about 35 days to go from a Chinese to a European port, whereas it's only up to two weeks for rail routes.

 

 

 

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