Intermodal hub: Zeebrugge – Oradea

Two of Europe’s leading logistics solutions specialists, P&O Ferrymasters and the Transmec Group, have extended their 14-year collaboration with the official opening of a major new venture – a private intermodal terminal in Oradea, Romania, managed by their jointly-owned company Intermodal Vest.
The initiative provides a dedicated facility for the partnership’s innovative and environmentally friendly rail-based intermodal links between western and eastern Europe. The companies launched a Belgium-Romania service two years ago – initially via the public Romanian railhead in Curtici – and added an Italy-Romania route in June after acquiring the Oradea operation.
Using private rail operators to run dedicated company trains, there are currently three round trips per week between Oradea and Zeebrugge in Belgium and two per week linking Oradea with Piacenza in Italy. Transit times of just 48-72 hours are boosted by short pre-advice notice requirements.
Operations are supported by combined company resources including a network of 50 offices across Europe, 500 Huckepack trailers and some 2,500 specialised containers. Direct control of own-fleet equipment guarantees year-round availability.
The Oradea terminal is operational 24/7, with two shunting locomotives and two reachstackers enabling rapid turnaround of trains. Round-the-clock security cover includes 32 CCTV cameras. Seamless and cost-effective handling is also ensured by on-site services including import/export clearance, dangerous goods capability and cross-docking/transhipment into secure warehousing.
Proximity to the Oradea ring-road provides fast truck access to the Romanian hinterland. Forward shipment by road to and from the Balkans, Turkey, Ukraine, Moldova and Bulgaria can be arranged via the terminal, as well as short-sea connections from Constanta and Varna to Black Sea countries.
P&O Ferrymasters intermodal director Wim Blomme comments: “Our customers will now benefit from a dedicated and integrated intermodal product covering ferry, rail, road and terminal operations – all of which is focused on enhancing service levels and creating a future network to build upon. The investments made to acquire and upgrade the terminal demonstrate our long-term vision and ambition to develop further into the east.”
Managing director Bas Belder adds: “The P&O Group’s confidence in intermodal development is also underlined in Zeebrugge, where our trains operate from the recently extended P&O Ferries rail terminal.”
Transmec managing director Danilo Montecchi comments: “The Oradea initiative extends a proven partnership with P&O Ferrymasters and takes our service offering to new levels. Customers can now benefit from a dedicated hub that provides a price-competitive and eco-friendly gateway to important growth markets.”