CFL multimodal's new service between Bettembourg and Curtici

CFL multimodal announced the launch of its new intermodal service between the Intermodal Terminal Bettembourg-Dudelange (LU) and the Railport Arad in Curtici (RO). With the first train running on 8 October 2024 ensuring three weekly rotations, this new train is serving the need to connect Western Europe with Romania in particular, and more generally with the Balkans and Turkey. The increasing number of shippers with production sites in Romania as well as the daily road congestions at the Hungarian-Romanian border, had a great impact on the creation of this new service. 

For this project, CFL multimodal is collaborating with CFL cargo and Ecco Rail on the rail traction. This train will offer a capacity of 40 slots suitable for craneable and non-craneable containers and trailers. Non-craneable semi-trailers are transported using the roadrailLink system, with maximum of eight slots per train. Both terminals are fully operational 24/7 and act as gateway hubs to other European countries, such as via Bettembourg to France, Belgium, Germany, Spain and via Curtici to Turkey. This transport solution is expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by around 22, 000 tonnes compared with road transportation. 

“We see this opportunity not just as a simple link between Bettembourg-Dudelange and Curtici, but also as a more ambitious project linking Romania and the BENELUX countries, as well as Turkey and the Balkans, to Western Europe. We are excited to expand our customer portfolio and support the EU's ambitions to shift freight from road to rail.” points out Sven Löffler, Chief Commercial Officer at CFL multimodal. 

“During its 15 years of activity, Railport Arad was and still is a pioneer in the field of intermodality in Romania and in Central and Eastern Europe. We are confident that with this new connection between Bettembourg-Dudelange and Curtici, we are promoting once again the most modern transportation way in our larger region.” says István Wagner, General Manager Railport Arad.