Rail link in train for Barcelona to Toulouse

The new rail service will have three weekly connections in both directions with the potential to move 108 teu each way.

“Our goal is to offer shippers in the area an improvement in the transit of their goods with a solution that is completely respectful of the environment,” said general manager Pablo García.

“This service brings maximum reliability and flexibility to our customers’ supply chains.”

Hutchison says that the new connection will offer customers in Occitania the same advantages as already offered in Aquitaine through the Noain terminal. “As in Navarra, we want to offer a competitive, quality and sustainable service, bringing our customers closer to one of the most modern and efficient container terminals in the world, with more than 200 direct maritime connections,” continued García.

Barcelona has three European gauges so no change of locomotive is required at the Spanish-French border. Hutchison Ports Synergy will operate this service using the rail resources of the French company Captrain, part of the SNCF group, which will in turn allow for onward connections to other rail terminals in France.

“In addition to the train, we have trucks for the last mile, and we have our own customs department to help our customers,” said García, referring to Cargo Solutions, the department created in 2021 to offer customs solutions to freight forwarders and shipping lines.

Pol Clivillé, head of the Cargo Solutions department, said: “Thanks to our customs representative and transit forwarders, we offer all existing customs solutions – clearance, issuance and discharge of transits, para-customs services and issuance of G5 messages, among others.”