DP World Pilots Intermodal Corridor For Finished Vehicles Between Western And Southeastern Europe

DP World has successfully completed the inaugural delivery of finished vehicles from Zeebrugge in Belgium to Aiud, Romania, marking the launch of a new intermodal rail corridor linking western and southeastern Europe. The initial shipment, intended for Chisinau, Moldova, represents the first rail-only vehicle operation in Europe managed end-to-end by DP World.

Subsequently, these vehicles will proceed by road from Aiud to their ultimate destination. The company anticipates expanding Aiud's role as a regional distribution hub for finished vehicles, catering to Romania and surrounding markets. This pilot initiative is part of DP World's broader strategy to bolster the strategic importance of Aiud as a vital automotive logistics center in the region.

Plans are in place to introduce a consistent service, with operations expected twice monthly from the second half of 2026. DP World also intends to establish connections between Aiud and additional European ports, such as Koper in Slovenia, through a similar intermodal approach. The transition to intermodal transport offers substantial environmental advantages for clients, potentially cutting CO₂ emissions by up to 55% in comparison to conventional long-haul road transportation.

Moreover, this shift mitigates exposure to cost fluctuations associated with evolving European road transport regulations and escalating road usage fees across transit countries, while simultaneously enhancing predictability by minimizing cross-border administrative intricacies. Dragos Calin, Director of Freight for the Balkans at DP World, commented: "Automotive companies are seeking ways to lessen their dependence on lengthy road transportation.

By integrating rail and road into a unified, seamless service, we are providing customers with enhanced reliability, reduced emissions, and a scalable solution that can adapt to the evolving dynamics of trade flows across Europe." Svitlana Balaban, CEO of DP World Romania, stated: "Our objective is to construct a more interconnected European logistics network, establishing new trade corridors and offering customers greater flexibility in transporting goods across the continent.

Aiud plays a pivotal role in this vision, forging new connections between western European ports and markets throughout southeastern Europe." The state-of-the-art Aiud multimodal logistics terminal, inaugurated in 2024 following DP World's €21 million investment, spans 180,000 square meters. Strategically situated adjacent to the A10 motorway and linked to Romania's national rail network, the terminal offers comprehensive container handling, storage, customs services, and freight forwarding capabilities.