CEVA Logistics has launched an express train service from Jinhua (China) to Dourges (France) to provide additional freight capacity for shippers amid unprecedented demand for transport and logistics services.

In a statement, CEVA said the first train has left China on November 26 and arrived in France 18 days later, loaded with 22 full containers of various supplies.

The train connects a string of “Belt and Road” countries such as Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, and Germany with a journey of over 11,000 km.

Having Dourges as the transit point, the destination delivery outreach will cover Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain and Italy as well as France.

CEVA said through the Jinhua-Dourges express train, it can provide fast, convenient, and sustainable China-Europe rail solutions. Compared to cargo movement via truck, the block train option reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 67%.

Expanding Southern Europe market

“With global supply chains experiencing an unprecedented demand for transport and logistics services, CEVA Logistics is committed to providing its existing and potential customers with convenient and sustainable solutions. Our rail and multi-modal solutions, together with our parent company the CMA CGM Group, between China and Europe are part of that strategy," said Xavier Bour, CEVA Logistics’ Global Ground and Rail Product Leader.

“France is an important logistics hub on the European market and with this new service, CEVA Logistics has tapped into the rail market for Eastern and Western Europe. Our next extension of our rail footprint will be the development of the southern Europe market.”