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A new intermodal connection strengthens freight flows between Italy and Northern Europe.

Hannibal, the multimodal transport operator of the Contship Group, has launched a new open rail shuttle connecting the Rail Hub Milano (RHM) in Melzo with the Europoort terminal in Rotterdam. Operational since July 8, 2026, the service adds six weekly round trips to the Italy–Netherlands corridor, further expanding rail connectivity between Southern and Northern Europe.

The new route completes Contship Group's rail coverage of the Port of Rotterdam, complementing the existing connections to Moerdijk, RSC, and Botlek. Customers also benefit from improved onward connections to the United Kingdom, Scandinavia, Germany, and the wider Benelux region.

Faster Connections to Northern Europe

Located just outside Milan, the Melzo Rail Hub continues to strengthen its role as a strategic gateway for freight moving between Italy and Northern Europe. The new service provides direct access to Europoort, one of Rotterdam's main rail-maritime logistics hubs, supporting efficient distribution across key European markets.

Service Highlights

• Operational since: July 8, 2026

• Route: Melzo (Milan) ↔ Europoort (Rotterdam)

• Frequency: 6 weekly rail services

• Transit time: Approximately 24 hours

• Capacity: Up to 38 loading units per train

• Cargo types: Semi-trailers, containers, and swap bodies

• Transport modes: Lo-Lo and Ro-Ro

• Rail operator: SBB Cargo International

The launch of this new shuttle reflects the growing importance of intermodal rail solutions, offering businesses a reliable and efficient alternative for moving freight between Italy and Northern Europe while improving network flexibility and connectivity.

Source: gCaptain - Maritime News