The East-West Gate (EWG) group is seeing positive results with its newly leased Wascosa tank wagons. EWG is the first in Europe to operate Wascosa’s innovative Green Tank Car® and Green Freight Car® wagons, which are lighter and more efficient and can transport up to 15 per cent more goods than older models. They are primarily used to transport Ukrainian unrefined vegetable oil and grain.
Modern wagons for a cutting-edge terminal
The new wagons are also part of the company’s broader strategy to enhance efficiency and sustainability at its state-of-the-art terminal in Fényeslitke, Hungary. The terminal, operational since 2022, is strategically located at the crossroads of standard and broad-gauge railways close to the Ukrainian border. This is Europe’s largest land-based intermodal facility, with a total yearly capacity of 1 million TEUs.
The terminal’s advanced infrastructure also allows for high volumes of agricultural and energy commodities, such as up to 1 million tons of grain and 2 million tons of crude oil annually. With remotely operated cranes and a real-time 3D digital twin tracking system, EWG is at the forefront of technology-driven logistics. The facility was constructed with green technology, including sustainable energy solutions like heat pump systems, aligning with EU railway and climate goals.
A modern fleet for agricultural transport
EWG has leased 120 wagons from Wascosa as part of this innovation push. These include 60 Green Freight Car® grain wagons delivered in the spring of 2024 and 60 Green Tank Car® wagons that arrived in the summer. The tank wagons have a capacity of 98 cubic meters, weighing less than 22 tons, and can transport up to 68 tons of goods. Similarly, the grain wagons hold 95 cubic meters with a tare weight of 20 tons, allowing for payloads of up to 70 tons.
The reduced weight of these wagons not only increases payload capacity but also lowers transport costs. “We are at the forefront of innovation and the spread of efficient, environmentally friendly transport,” said Roman Vinar, CEO of East-West Gate. “With Wascosa’s freight wagons, we can offer our partners more economical solutions. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with some customers opting to use EWG wagons over their own due to cost-effectiveness.”
Expanding reach across Europe
EWG Rail, the group’s independent railway service provider, facilitates the movement of these wagons across Hungary and beyond. EWG Rail is licensed to operate on the entire Hungarian railway network and serves domestic and international customers. Its services include transporting hazardous and refrigerated goods, further broadening its capabilities.
The new wagons are already making an impact. Ukrainian crude vegetable oil is primarily transported to Italy using tank wagons, with transfers from Ukrainian broad-gauge wagons taking place at the Fényeslitke terminal. Hungarian and Ukrainian grain products are also transported using grain wagons, and customers benefit from the cost efficiency of the lighter fleet.
Enhancing transparency
In line with its commitment to sustainability, EWG has introduced special labels for the wagons to increase transparency about the loaded goods. These labels ensure the cargo is non-fossil-based, reflecting EWG’s dedication to environmentally friendly operations.
With its modern infrastructure, innovative wagon fleet, and focus on sustainable logistics, EWG is setting a new standard for intermodal transport in Europe.