Constan?a: MALBI-trans has signed a cooperation agreement with Carpatica Feroviar to enhance logistics services along the Middle Corridor, as revealed by the company's CEO, Liliana Krutonog, in an exclusive interview with Trend. The agreement focuses on cargo transportation from the Czech Republic to the port of Constan?a, extending further to Poti, Batumi, and across the Caspian Sea to the port of Aktau.
According to Trend News Agency, Krutonog emphasized that the client's logistics needs have driven the exploration of the Middle Corridor. This interest arises due to restrictions on the northern corridor through Brest-Malaszewicze, traversing Belarus and Russia, due to sanctions and corporate policies. MALBI-trans proposes this route as a viable alternative, leveraging their experience with logistics through Czech Republic ports, including the Koper and Trieste ports, and pilot consignments via the Constan?a logistics hub.
Krutonog highlighted Constan?a as a promising opportunity for growth, with Carpatica Feroviar committed to enhancing the route's capacity and infrastructure. Discussions are underway to involve state companies, transport ministries, and infrastructure organizations in this development.
The cooperation agreement with Carpatica Feroviar will see operations conducted via the Constan?a maritime terminal. This route, though currently underutilized, is poised for expansion to increase cargo throughput. The Middle Corridor presently has less throughput compared to the Brest-Malaszewicze route, but Krutonog noted the potential for growth.
Trains will depart from Czech cities such as Prague, Brno, and Ostrava to Constan?a, where cargo will be transported primarily to Poti and onward across the Caspian Sea to Aktau. The Middle Corridor is witnessing increased activity, with more industry players entering the space and offering this route to clients, thereby significantly boosting transit volumes.
Looking forward to the remainder of 2025, MALBI-trans aims to expand on its current projects and initiate new ones, including tenders for routing through Constan?a and the broader Middle Corridor. The CEO emphasized the focus on intermodal container transport, integrating maritime, rail, and road segments seamlessly.
The corridor's development continues to progress, with plans to present new stable services next year. The intermodal logistics framework relies on the container as a key unit for smooth transitions across different transport modes. The maritime segment, once limited, now offers numerous options, including direct routes to Poti.
Krutonog reiterated the company's commitment to blending existing and new routes to offer a diverse range of products and services. This includes system trains from the Czech Republic, with cargo transitioning through ports and onto partner services, supported by expertise in maritime logistics.
Once shipments arrive at the port, they integrate into the broad-gauge rail network, connecting countries of the former USSR and other regional transport associations.