China-Europe Rail Link Celebrates Milestone: 100,000th Train Arrives in Germany
Duisburg, Germany — A momentous occasion unfolded Tuesday morning as the 100,000th China-Europe freight train rolled into Duisburg, Germany, marking a significant milestone for this increasingly vital rail link.
The arrival of train X8083, which departed from Chongqing, China, carried a diverse cargo of electronics, industrial parts, and household goods, signifying the multifaceted nature of the trade between the two continents. The shipment was quickly unloaded and distributed to various destinations across Europe, highlighting the efficiency and reach of this land bridge.
Once known primarily for its steel industry, Duisburg has transformed into a crucial trade gateway connecting Europe and Asia. The "steel camels," as these trains are often called, play a paramount role in this evolution. They transport a variety of European goods back to China, creating a robust two-way trade corridor.
Celebrating this momentous occasion, Chang Haitao, acting consul general of China in Dusseldorf, remarked, "The service has enhanced transport efficiency and trade ties, showcasing the Belt and Road Initiative’s role in fostering connectivity.”
Chang expressed optimism about the future, stating, "The China-Europe freight train will remain a catalyst for openness and partnership, fueling enhanced connectivity across Eurasia and fostering sustained global economic development.”
Markus Teuber, China affairs commissioner for the City of Duisburg, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the mutual benefits of the rail connection. “The train connection has definitely led to a win-win situation for both countries,” Teuber said, noting the positive impact on both imports and exports and predicting continued growth as more companies recognize the value of this service.
A staff member walks past a container aboard the 100,000th China-Europe freight train at Duisburg Intermodal Terminal (DIT) in Duisburg, Germany, Dec. 3, 2024. (Xinhua/Du Zheyu)
Markus Bangen, CEO of Duisburger Hafen AG (Duisport), the company managing the port of Duisburg, highlighted the strengthening ties between Europe and China facilitated by this railway service. He emphasized the benefits for both economies, with Duisburg itself emerging as a key stop on the route, attracting investment, creating jobs, and driving growth in the logistics sector.
This photo taken on Dec. 3, 2024 shows the 100,000th China-Europe freight train at Duisburg Intermodal Terminal (DIT) in Duisburg, Germany. (Xinhua/Du Zheyu)
Since 2016, the China-Europe freight train service has experienced exponential growth. Tian Zhongyu, general manager of China Railway Container Transport Co., Ltd. Europe Subsidiary, noted, “Annual train operations have surged from 1,702 trips to over 17,000 trips, with transit times steadily improving.” He added that “the time required to complete 10,000 trains has also decreased from 90 months to just six months.”
This success has had a tangible impact on the local economy. Tian explained that Duisburg Port has attracted over 100 logistics companies and created more than 20,000 jobs since the trains began operating.
This photo taken on Dec. 3, 2024 shows the 100,000th China-Europe freight train at Duisburg Intermodal Terminal (DIT) in Duisburg, Germany. (Photo by Zhu Xuan/Xinhua)
Staff members pose for a group photo as they welcome the arrival of the 100,000th China-Europe freight train at Duisburg Intermodal Terminal (DIT) in Duisburg, Germany, Dec. 3, 2024. (Xinhua/Du Zheyu)
The 100,000th train arrival serves as a testament to the growing global connectivity fostered by this rail link and its potential to facilitate even greater international trade and cooperation in the years to come.
