ÖBB CEO Andreas Matthä and Viacheslav Yeromin, Member of the Management Board Ukrainian Railways
(Munich, May 9, 2023) – ÖBB Rail Cargo Group (RCG) is, in cooperation with the Ukrainian Railways, connecting Ukraine to its intermodal network with the new connection TransFER Vienna–Kyiv. As a leading rail logistics provider in Europe, RCG already offers a wide range of intermodal TransFER connections across the entire Eurasian continent. With the new connection between Kiev and Vienna with stops in Budapest and Lviv, the ÖBB freight subsidiary offers the first regular, high-frequency intermodal connection between Ukraine and the numerous hubs in Central Europe.
Freight transport by rail is relevant to supply and the system
Rail freight has proven its systemic relevance in maintaining supply security during the numerous international crises. “Not only Ukraine benefits from being included in the international network of ÖBB Rail Cargo Group. The whole of Europe must grow closer together as far as rail freight transport is concerned. This is an important step in the right direction, for the economy, countries and the environment,” says ÖBB CEO Andreas Matthä.
“Ukraine is essential as a source market for European supply chains – especially in the area of raw materials and agricultural products. Through quality transport products, we want to ensure the country's integration into the European transport network to efficiently connect our producers as well as our receiving markets with European ports and logistics hubs,” says ViacheslavYeromin, Member of the Management Board Ukrainian Railways.
Supporting Ukraine – keeping the economic engine running
ÖBB Rail Cargo Group (RCG) is intensively supporting Ukraine with transport and logistics services since March 2022. In the segment of agricultural products alone, more than 2 million tonnes have been exported – more than 100 trains per month and more than any other freight company in Europe.
Many advantages for customers
In cooperation with Ukrainian Railways (Ukrzaliznytsia/UZ), RCG thus connects Ukraine with the European Union and beyond. This brings many advantages for customers:
- Full access to RCG's maritime, continental and Eurasian connections
- Trucking service to any European destination – starting from Budapest and Vienna
- Fixed schedule and attractive transit times
- Weekly departures in both directions
Traction in Europe on standard gauge will be provided by RCG from the Ukrainian border as a one-stop service. It will also handle additional logistical services such as terminal services, import and export customs and much more. On the broad gauge up to the Ukrainian/Hungarian border, the partner Ukrzaliznytsia will take over.
Rail Cargo Group: the freight transport division of the ÖBB
As a leading rail logistics provider in Europe, we are shaping the industry. 365 days a year – 24 hours a day. Across Europe and beyond into Asia. With our presence in 18 countries worldwide, we connect people, businesses and markets – from the first to the last mile. It’s thanks to our 5,887 logistics professionals from 34 nations that 448,000 trains a year, respectively 1,230 a day, reach their destinations safe and sound. With our efficient end-to-end logistics services, we transport over 88 million net tonnes of freight each year. A modal share of 27.5 % (preliminary value) of the total freight market in Austria makes us top of the league in Europe. Operational management of the Rail Cargo Group lies with Rail Cargo Austria AG.