Hannibal, the multimodal transport operator of the Contship Group, has launched a new intermodal rail service between Melzo (Rail Hub Milano) and Europoort Rotterdam.
The new connection expands Hannibal’s network in Northern Europe and strengthens access to one of Europe’s largest logistics hubs.
Europoort Rotterdam serves as a major gateway for container and conventional cargo. It connects rail, short-sea and deep-sea services across Europe.
The new route also completes Hannibal’s operational coverage of the Port of Rotterdam. The company now serves Moerdijk, RSC, Botlek and Europoort.
The new service offers customers additional transshipment options to the United Kingdom and Scandinavia. It also strengthens the role of Melzo as a rail gateway to Northern Europe.
Hannibal said the service provides greater flexibility by supporting both lift-on/lift-off (Lo-Lo) and roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) operations.
The rail shuttle will carry semi-trailers, containers and swap bodies.
The service will operate six trains per week with capacity for up to 38 loading units per train.
Trains will depart from Melzo on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Departures from Europoort are scheduled for Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
Transit time between the two terminals is approximately 24 hours.
Rail operator SBB will provide traction services for the new route.
With the addition of the Europoort connection, Hannibal now operates 36 weekly rail services between Melzo and the Netherlands.
The company said the launch forms part of a wider strategy to expand its European intermodal network. Additional rail projects are planned in the coming months to strengthen connections along key freight corridors.
