Euro Pool System has launched CoolRail – a new train service between Valencia and Rotterdam – to transport fresh produce.
The service became operational on 6 May and will provide a direct rail connection between Spain and the Netherlands.
It will offer a more sustainable alternative compared to road transport, and it is expected to cut CO2 emissions by 70% to 90%.
Euro Pool System is a provider of logistics services and reusable standard packaging in the European food supply chain.
Parties from retail, logistics, and the fruit and vegetable sector have also participated in this eco-friendly initiative.
Significant CO2 Reduction
CoolRail will reduce the number of truck movements by 12,096 annually and save 22 million kilometres of road transport.
As a result, CO2 emissions will reduce by 15,000 tonnes annually, which is almost equal to the annual output of six large wind turbines.
The temperature-controlled train will be operational for 48 weeks around the year, with 42 containers travelling between the stations three times a week.
“Following extensive preparations and the first pilot run, we are now taking the giant step towards drastically reducing the carbon footprint associated with fresh-produce transport,” said Gerjo Scheringa, CEO of Euro Pool Group.
Boosting Chain Sustainability
Improving the sustainability of transport movement between Spain and the Netherlands is an important factor for all stakeholders in the supply chain.
Spain is a major trading partner of north-western Europe for the import of fresh fruit and vegetables such as lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and oranges.
Bakker Barendrecht has been involved in the CoolRail initiative from the very beginning and has developed this rail link in collaboration with Euro Pool System.
The CoolRail initiative perfectly reflects the aim of increasing the sustainability of all processes in the fresh-produce supply chain.
New Rail Link
The route to Valencia is the beginning of a network.
Euro Pool System intends to expand CoolRail’s network to Germany, Scandinavia, and the United Kingdom.
Partners
Euro Pool System has partnered with Shuttlewise, Bakker Barendrecht/Albert Heijn, Visbeen, Kloosterboer, DailyFresh, EasyFresh, Primaflor, Bollo, Agroiris, Fruveg, TobSine, Pozo Sur and Samskip on this project.
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