XPO Logistics has launched a new multimodal transport corridor connecting Antwerp, Belgium, and Istanbul, Turkey. This 2,600 km route integrates road and rail transport, reducing transit time from ten days to eight compared to road-only transport.
The route not only expedites transit but also offers more consistent service throughout the year, including peak seasons. It addresses road congestion issues by providing an alternative that includes rail transport, known for its lower environmental impact. Additionally, XPO Logistics offers a combination of short sea shipping and rail, with connections from Duisburg, Germany, to Trieste, Italy, and onward by sea to Izmir, Turkey.
One of the notable benefits of this multimodal corridor is the reduction in CO2 emissions. Rail transport on this route produces around 80% fewer emissions compared to traditional road transport, equating to approximately 3,100 kg less CO2 per trip.
This new service highlights XPO's commitment to enhancing its multimodal solutions, which are part of its Low-Emission Sustainable Solutions (LESS®) program. LESS® aims to assist companies in reducing their supply chain carbon footprints by offering alternatives to road transport and adopting fuels such as hydrotreated vegetable oil, natural gas, and electric options. With the transport sector responsible for a significant portion of global carbon emissions, innovations like these are crucial for sustainability efforts.
The new corridor between Belgium and Turkey builds on XPO’s existing multimodal routes, which include services between Barcelona (ES) and Bettembourg (LU); Le Boulou and Calais (FR); and Domodossa (IT) and Duisburg (DE).
