CMA CGM has operated its first container train to the East-West Gate (EWG) intermodal terminal in Fényeslitke, northeastern Hungary, strengthening the terminal’s role in European inland logistics and international container transport.
The arrival, announced on October 20, 2026, marks a new development for the terminal as it expands cooperation with major global shipping lines. It follows the introduction of container depot and dry port services by Maersk earlier this year.
Located near the Hungarian–Ukrainian border, East-West Gate connects Europe’s standard-gauge railway network with Ukraine’s broad-gauge system. The terminal was originally developed to handle rail freight between China and Central and Eastern Europe through Ukraine. However, disruption to this corridor following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 forced the operator to seek alternative cargo flows.
The terminal is now focusing on supporting industrial demand in eastern Hungary, particularly from the growing battery and electromobility sectors. These industries generate substantial inbound container traffic, but relatively limited exports have created an imbalance that increases the cost of repositioning empty containers.
EWG Group is also exploring opportunities to facilitate Ukrainian agricultural exports through containerised rail transport. Moving grain and other commodities in containers could help develop additional outbound cargo flows while improving container utilisation.
The arrival of CMA CGM’s first train represents a step towards integrating maritime container services with continental rail freight. The terminal aims to strengthen partnerships with shipping lines, industrial customers, agricultural exporters and freight forwarders.
However, EWG Group has not disclosed the volume carried by the first train or confirmed whether regular CMA CGM services will follow.
The development highlights how inland intermodal terminals are adapting to changing trade routes and regional industrial demand, creating alternative logistics connections for shipping companies and cargo owners across Europe.