The connection is designed to supply IKEA stores in the Paris area. Besides this dedicated flow, the new rail link offers capacity for broader logistics needs between the Grand Est region and Paris.
The intermodal service is planned to handle volumes that would otherwise require up to 23,000 truck journeys annually.
Combined transport operations
This is DB Cargo France’s first project as a combined transport operator. The company will manage both traction and intermodal operations on this route.
The service is operated in cooperation with several partners:
- Groupe Portmann as the customer
- NOVATRANS as both customer and operator of the Valenton terminal
- Rhenus Logistics at the port of Metz
- SE3M at the Champigneulles terminal
The new intermodal traffic between Metz and Valenton is structured as a regular connection supporting transport flows within France.