A new rail corridor linking Slovakia to Port Esbjerg is set to revolutionize car transport logistics, with an expected annual throughput of over 10,000 vehicles. The newly established route enables the direct shipment of cars to Denmark, where they are reloaded at the port and shipped to the UK via DFDS ferries. The inaugural delivery saw 240 cars transported seamlessly, marking a successful start for the ambitious project.
Esben Lund Mørk, Port & Multiterminal Manager at Scandinavian Auto Logistics, praised the smooth execution of the first shipment, emphasizing the efficiency of the custom-built unloading ramp. “It went almost perfectly,” Mørk stated, referring to the three-hour process required to unload the vehicles from the train before their onward journey to Immingham.
The new transport route is set to enhance Port Esbjerg’s role as a key logistics hub, with weekly shipments scheduled to maintain a steady flow of vehicles. Dennis Jul Pedersen, CEO of Port Esbjerg, highlighted the broader significance of the development. “We’re seeing an increase in RoRo transport at the port, and this collaboration is a clear example of the opportunities created by the extension of the railway tracks at the port. This is the first of many stages,” he explained.
Expanding Rail Infrastructure Boosts Logistics Efficiency
The decision to integrate rail transport into the supply chain aligns with broader efforts to enhance efficiency and sustainability. By leveraging extended railway tracks, the port has created a seamless link between European car manufacturers and the UK market, reducing the reliance on road transport and cutting emissions.
The extension of the port’s railway infrastructure by 800 meters across two tracks, combined with the recent deepening of the fairway, has bolstered Esbjerg’s capability to handle increased cargo volumes. These investments are expected to attract businesses from across Eastern Europe, including Romania and the Czech Republic, looking for a more streamlined logistics solution.
Innovation in Cargo Handling
The success of this new transport model is partly due to the innovative unloading ramp developed by Scandinavian Auto Logistics in collaboration with Toftlund Maskinfabrik. The mobile ramp, designed to accommodate both upper and lower train decks, ensures that cars can be efficiently transferred from rail to ship. “The ramp worked like a dream. It was a brilliant experience,” Mørk commented enthusiastically.
Such advancements illustrate the potential for rail transport to play a more significant role in European logistics, particularly as manufacturers seek greener, more cost-effective supply chain solutions. With a robust demand for new vehicles in the UK—where 1.9 million cars were sold in 2024—this rail-to-sea model provides a scalable alternative to traditional road-based transport.
DFDS Optimizing Vessel Capacity
DFDS, which operates daily sailings from Esbjerg to the UK, sees the new rail connection as a game-changer. Sanne Thomsen, Route Director at DFDS, emphasized how the project aligns with the company’s strategic goals. “We’re very pleased with the success of this project. We are contributing to putting Esbjerg on the map in a new context while at the same time filling our vessels more efficiently,” she said.
Previously, DFDS had unused hoistable decks on its vessels, but with this influx of vehicles, ship capacity is now optimized. In 2023, DFDS transported 3,500 cars from Esbjerg, a figure that is expected to soar to 13,000-14,500 annually under the new system. With Cuxhaven facing capacity constraints, Esbjerg has emerged as a vital alternative, reducing road transport reliance and offering a more sustainable shipping solution.
As demand for efficient logistics solutions grows, the new train service cements Port Esbjerg’s position as a crucial hub for European automotive supply chains. The sky may indeed be the limit for this evolving transport model, as the industry looks to further capitalize on this seamless intermodal solution.
