Rail link takes polluting trucks off roads

The new shuttle service has been launched by the Norwegian rail operator Cargonet and it will initially operate once a week in each direction between Oslo and the Port of Gothenburg, with a resulting reduction in carbon emissions of over 700,000 kg per year.

“Somewhat boastfully we usually say that we are the largest port in Norway thanks to the substantial flows of Norwegian import and export goods that pass through the Port of Gothenburg. This potential is set to increase even further with a highly skilled rail operator that is bringing a much sought-after solution to market,” said Claes Sundmark,” vice president, business area container, ro-ro & rail at the Gothenburg Port Authority.

The 580m rail shuttle arrived at the Port of Gothenburg from Oslo on 16 September. The terminal operator Sandahlsbolagen unloaded and reloaded the train at Arken Intermodal Terminal before it returned to Oslo.

This is equivalent to having 2,000 fewer trucks each year operating on the extremely busy E6 motorway between Gothenburg and Oslo. The switch from road to rail will result in a reduction in carbon emissions of 724,000 kg.

At present around 60% of container volumes to and from the Port of Gothenburg are transported by rail.