Terminals are a vital component of the supply chain as they are the connecting points for different transport modalities. However, not every terminal is the same, as there are a few types. One of the main differences is between port and inland terminals. RailFreight.com hosted a webinar to understand these differences and analyse how different types of terminal cohabitate in Europe.
The webinar, titled Port vs Inland terminals: Keys for effective rail logistics, saw the participation of Martin Koubek, Director – Silk Road & CIS at Metrans and Marcin Kamola, Commercial Manager at Baltic Hub. Metrans manages a number of inland terminals throughout Europe, while Baltic Hub is Poland’s largest container terminal, located in the port of Gdansk.
Different equipment
Inland terminals focus on efficient shunting and need long rail tracks to accommodate full-length trains, ideally up to 740 meters. They also reload cargo from trains to trucks for the last mile delivery or onto single wagons for delivery to clients with rail access. The rail infrastructure is crucial, with terminals designed primarily to serve trains, though space is also needed for container storage and truck parking.
Port terminals, in addition to handling trains, must also accommodate vessels, which requires larger facilities. They require efficient operations to handle the transfer of containers between vessels, trains, and trucks. Like inland terminals, port terminals also need long rail tracks and the ability to efficiently load and unload containers.
Different data management systems
When it comes to data management, inland terminals prioritize the smooth flow of rail operations within their boundaries. This translates to a strong focus on data systems that facilitate efficient shunting, precise tracking of cargo destined for reloading onto trucks or single wagons, and robust terminal operating systems tailored for rail-specific activities. For these terminals, data is the engine that keeps the trains moving and the cargo flowing inland.
Port terminals, however, face a more complex data landscape. Their systems must seamlessly integrate operations across multiple transport modes. Data management here is about coordinating the intricate dance of containers between vessels, trains, and trucks, all while managing the dynamic flow of containers within the broader port ecosystem.
With terminal operating systems handling both rail and vessel operations, port terminals require a higher level of data integration to effectively manage the crucial interchange between maritime and land-based transport. Ultimately, while both terminal types benefit from enhanced data communication for greater visibility and efficiency, it is the port terminals that truly rely on it to orchestrate the intermodal symphony.
RailFreight Summit 2025
Terminal operations, both for inland and port facilities, will be one of the focusses of the RailFreight Summit, which will take place in Gdańsk, Poland, on 8-9 April 2025. The event will also be an opportunity to discuss the presence of rail freight in European ports, technological developments as well as the latest trends and policies. You can find out more about the programme here and get your ticket here.