Laude Smart Intermodal and Loconi Intermodal S.A., in cooperation with a Ukrainian operator and railway operator PKP LHS, have launched regular intermodal services for A.P. Moller–Maersk (Maersk) from the Baltic Hub terminal in Gdańsk to Ukraine.
The operation leverages Laude’s intermodal terminal in Zamość, situated on Poland’s broad-gauge railway line (LHS) and managed by PKP LHS, the operator of the Broad Gauge Metallurgical Railway, as a key hub connecting Polish and Ukrainian logistics networks.
The joint service underscores Poland’s growing importance as a key logistics gateway for Ukraine to global markets. Polish ports handle around 3.9 million TEUs annually, with an estimated 8 per cent destined for Ukraine.
The new Loconi-Laude trains can transport up to 88 TEUs, and the transit time from Baltic Hub to destinations in Ukraine is approximately five days, providing a competitive alternative to other transport corridors.
Marcin Witczak, CEO of Laude Smart Intermodal, said: “This is a very important step both in terms of developing our transport services to and from Polish Baltic ports, and in further strengthening the trade ties between Ukraine and the rest of the world.
“Together with our partners, we have offered one of the largest shipping lines a service that enhances its offering for transport to and from Ukraine via our terminal in Zamość. This is only the first step in developing our cooperation with Loconi, demonstrating that partnership in the intermodal sector is possible and enables optimal use of each party’s capabilities and resources.”
Niels Jakobsgaard Andersen, CEO of Loconi Intermodal stated: “At Loconi, we draw on a stable domestic network of connections, terminals, and many years of operational experience.
“As Poland continues to gain traction as a vital logistics hub for Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), we are able to quickly integrate new international routes with our existing infrastructure and ensure high service reliability. This collaboration with Laude is a logical progression, allowing us to continue growing our service offering to our customers in Poland and countries beyond.”
Earlier this summer, Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) announced it is acquiring a 60 per cent stake in Eurobridge Intermodal Terminal LLC in Batiovo, western Ukraine.