A new intermodal rail flow now connects the industrial north of Italy with the Naples region in the south. From Melzo for Milan, a twice-weekly train runs south to the yards at Marcianise near the Calabrian regional capital of Caserta, about 25km due north of Naples. The operators Hannibal, part of the Milan-based Contship Italia Group, are confident of healthy two-way flows.
The network of rail services provided by multimodal transport operator Hannibal continues to grow. From their home hub at Melzo, which is branded as Railhub Milano, the first Melzo-Marcianise intermodal train took the green signal this week (on 3 December). the destination hub, near Naples, provides a domestic flow for the Italian parent company Contship Italia Group.
Extensive international network
Hannibal’s distinctive salmon pink livery is already a widely recognised part of the Railhub Milano operations. The new rail service adds to the extensive network already in place from the north Italian company. This service, says the operator, is intended to link with an existing flow between Rotterdam and Milan. “The new service allows us to connect our hub in Melzo and the Netherlands,” said Andrea Spagnuolo, Sales & Business Development Manager of Contship Italia. “In addition, we can integrate our offer by guaranteeing efficient customs operations with containers on the ground, as well as first and last-mile transportation by truck”.
Hannibal says it operates around 150 intermodal services a week. The long-established Rotterdam – Milan rail service has proved a significant success for the company since its launch in 2017. It has been steadily augmented, up to its current four weekly trips. The “last mile” connectivity to which Andrea Spagnuolo refers, comes from a collaboration with the German logistics company Eurogate, and their DriveMybox intermodal road delivery service.
Higher, faster, longer already planned
Contship has been investing heavily in its operations, including a multi-million euro programme announced earlier this year. “The new intermodal service responds to the growing demand for sustainable and efficient logistics solutions, further strengthening Contship’s strategic position in the European logistics landscape,” says the operator’s statement. Initially, the Melzo – Marcianise connection comprises a twice weekly round trip between the Milan Rail Hub in Melzo and the Marcianise-Maddaloni terminal. Departures from Melzo are scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Northbound trips are on Wednesdays and Fridays. From the first quarter of 2025, an increase in frequency to three connections per week is planned.
With a capacity of 32 units per train. “The service will accept all types of containers thanks to low-loading wagons,” said the company. WCN news understands this to mean 2TEU hi-cube loads and 45-foot containers are accepted. Rail traction will be provided from within the group by Oceanogate, the Contship Group subsidary. “This new development consolidates Rail Hub Milan’s position as a strategic gateway to Northern Europe and the main Mediterranean ports,” said Contship in their statement. Earlier this year, Hannibal launched an international service connecting Italy with Hungary and Romania, as reported by our sister service, RailFreight.com.