In an epic journey, in collaboration with the DB Cargo network and InterRail Services GmbH (IRS), Transfesa achieved a new world record by operating a route between China and Spain.
The longest freight train journey in history. A 600-metre long convoy with 40 containers (approximately 1,400 tonnes of consumer goods) left Yiwu in northeast China on 18 November and arrived on 9 December (21 days later) in the Madrid-Abroñigal railway logistics terminal, 13,000 kilometres from the Chinese city.
After leaving Yiwu, the train passed through Kazakhstan, Russia and Belarus. From the Belarus-Polish border it passed through Poland, Germany and France. In each country the transport services were provided by companies belonging to the DB Cargo Group (DB Cargo Polska, DB Cargo Deutschland and ECR France). In Spain, Transfesa took the baton after the convoy reached Hendaya/Irún where, after a change of axles, it left for Madrid-Abroñigal.
Upon reaching the capital, an institutional event was held which was attended by the media and representatives from the Chinese Embassy, the Ministry of Development and Madrid City Council, among others.
In the words of Bernd Hullerum, Transfesa CEO, this trip confirmed that the train is the most competitive (cheaper than air transport), most efficient (due to its distribution capacity) and fastest (it takes half the time of a ship) mode of transport as well as being the most respectful in terms of the environment. “This is an enormously significant event because it reveals the fundamental role currently played by railway transport as a driver of economies and in reinforcing trade relations between countries, in this case between Spain and China, and with all European states”, explained the CEO.
Although the train played the most important part, many colleagues played an undeniably important role, and thanks to their enormous efforts, they made this historical success possible.
The event of the arrival of the first Yiwu‐Madrid train was widely reported by the Spanish and international media, with a total of more than 450 articles and reports in newspapers, radio, television and online media sites.
But the huge interest generated and the repercussion obtained was not limited to the communication with the media. It has also been immense in the internal communications, having an impact on the business activities of Transfesa. Furthermore, there is also a great deal of excitement about the establishment of a possible regular route.
“This was an example of good teamwork and if we continue like this we will have a very bright future as a company. I am sure that we will become Spain’s leading railway company.”
– Vanessa Fernández, train driver
