Amber Train speeds up movement of cargoes between Western Europe and Baltic States

In cooperation with the national railway companies of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, EVR Cargo is launching a new regular container transport line on the route Šeštokai-Rīga-Tallinn. The line, called the ‘Amber Train’, will deliver goods reaching the Baltic States from Western Europe more quickly, more economically and in a more environmentally friendly manner.

“The Amber Train is the result of a joint effort on the part of all three Baltic States to boost the volume of intermodal carriage,” explained Raul Toomsalu, chairman of the management board of EVR Cargo. “Moving goods by rail saves both clients and carriers a significant amount of time and reduces costs. Railway transport is more environmentally friendly than transport by semi-trailer, generates less noise and reduces traffic jams and accidents on the roads.”

 The train comprising of 43 containers underwent its first test trip this week, from Šeštokai in Lithuania to Paldiski in Estonia. Carriage was ordered by the SNCF Logistics Group subsidiary Forwardis, one of the leading expediters in Europe. The cargo transported began its journey in France.

 A number of technical factors were tested: technological procedures; the schedule; transit time; and efficiency in exchanging information and dealing with paperwork.

 The Amber Train is a cooperation project between the national railway companies of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania whose framework was agreed in March. EVR Cargo is responsible for operating the line in Estonia, between Valga and Paldiski. In Latvia the line is being operated by SJSC Latvijas dzelzceļš and in Lithuania by AB Lietuvos geležinkeliai.

 EVR Cargo is a leading government-owned railway company whose main areas of operations are carrying goods, constructing and repairing locomotives and railway carriages and renting out railway carriages. The company employs 670 people.