CRRC prototype trains taken on a trip to Berlin

China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) unveiled a prototype locomotive, named Velforce, at a trade fair in Berlin, Germany. Getting to Berlin required the involvement of several companies.

Polbrok Agency & International Forwarding, a freight forwarding arm of the multipurpose carrier Chipolbrok, orchestrated the move. The outbound journey began in Taicang, China, where a prototype locomotive, two metro carriages, bogies, and various accessories were loaded onto Chipobrok’s 62,000 dwt multipurpose vessel, Boym. The vessel headed through the Suez Canal, made a supply call in Nador, Morocco, and sailed directly to the seaport of Cuxhaven.

Delivering the units from Cuxhaven to Berlin was the most demanding segment of the logistics chain, according to Chipolbrok. This is where the expertise of a local partner, Deufol Döhle Projects (DDP), was called upon. The cargo was transhipped onto chartered river barges and delivered to Berlin West port via Germany’s inland waterways.

The 15-km road transport leg from the inland port to the exhibition centre was the most challenging. The route required special permits, tree cutting, and passing a bridge. Due to weight restrictions, the 158-tonne locomotive had to be dismantled. Unit weights were reduced to 120 tonnes and transported across the bridge.

This story was originally published by Project Cargo Journal. Read the full story at Project Cargo Journal →