A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) has launched its latest reefer train service, connecting Algeciras and Marin.
With a transit time of one day and 12 hours, the service will depart from Algeciras Port in Cadiz and arrive at Marin Port in Pontevedra every Friday at midday.
“This new train service is intended to give Galician firms agility, flexibility and resiliency,” said Diego Perdonnes Montero, Managing Director for Maersk Southwest Europe, and the Maghreb.
“It facilitates cargo delivery to Galicia ahead of schedule, allowing for weekend deliveries and distribution to final retailers. Furthermore, it helps to reduce the environmental effect, which is a hot topic among many customers committed to reducing CO2 emissions.”
The announcement comes as Maersk following the news that Maersk is accelerating its sustainability targets, wanting to achieve net-zero emissions for all its activities by 2040. Through the use of this new train, the company can also help customers fulfil their ESG strategies.
Representatives from Grupo Ibérica de Congelados SA, added “One of the primary benefits of this new service for us is the ability to carry our reefer cargo through rail for the first time. Rail travel is one of the most environmentally friendly routes of goods transportation and we are glad to have this transformation option thanks to our collaboration with Maersk.”
With only a weekly call from Wednesday to Friday so far, this scale may be scaled up in the near future as Maersk expects demand for environmentally friendly transportation modes to rise.
The Algeciras Port Authority, Marin Port Authority, Ria de Pontevedra, Marin Container Terminal and Teramin – Grupo Pérez Torres have all been involved in the project coordination.
In other recent news, Maersk has reported revenues of $18.5 billion for the fourth quarter of 2021 as profits continue to roll in.
“The strong result in the quarter reflects the continuation of the exceptional market situation within Ocean caused by the global disruptions to the supply chains, which have led to further increase in container freight rates,” the company wrote.