A first experimental cargo train launched on Jan. 15, 2016 on the so-called New Silk Road returned to Ukraine on April 17.
The press service of public joint-stock company Ukrzaliznytsia told Interfax-Ukraine that on April 7 the train with empty containers was sent from Dostyk station (Kazakhstan) and was to arrive to Chornomorsk (earlier Illichivsk) on April 19.
Ukrzaliznytsia said that the frequency of the train trips is determined by demand on the market. A potential cargo flow that could be reoriented to transportation by this container train is being studied. The creation of the regular service is being discussed.
“The capacities of the project participants provide for sending the container train that would carry 1,000 tonnes of cargos every week in each direction,” Ukrzaliznytsia said.
Ukrainian producers of cardboard, ceramic tile, metal structures, electrodes, furniture, confectionary products, meat and dairy products, sugar, goods made from clay and steel showed their interest in shipment by this train. The companies have stable logistics of transportation of goods to China, as well as Chinese producers have also stable logistics.
“The revision of logistics schemes and agreeing them with partners would require some time. Goods producers have fears to change existing transportation schemes in hard times for the country’s economy. Despite these obstacles, there is confidence that the implementation of the project would be success,” the press service said.
Ukrzaliznytsia has crafted the container train schedule across Ukraine. The train on average passes around 1,150 kilometers a day across Ukraine. Along with using the train to go to Europe Ukrzaliznytsia also plans to use it to ship Ukrainian cargos.
