Salzgitter and Volvo start environmentally friendly steel transport to Sweden!

Salzgitter and Volvo start environmentally friendly steel transport to Sweden!

There is exciting news for the transport industry in Cologne! The Salzgitter Group has started a future-oriented partnership with Volvo Cars to optimize rail freight transport for steel deliveries to Sweden. Loud Marketsteel is currently delivered in a single car system, but the future concept envisages direct delivery of steel while at the same time scrap is returned in a shuttle concept. That sounds like a clever solution!

This approach has not only economic but also ecological advantages. The aim is to keep transit times short and to achieve maximum utilization during the outward and return journey. A big plus point is the avoidance of empty runs, which significantly increases efficiency. The distance between the locations is around 700 kilometers and contributes to an efficient and low-emission material cycle.

Federal government on a green mission

The federal government is committed to the climate-friendly transformation of freight transport. In rail freight transport in particular, the share is expected to rise to at least 25% by 2030. The BMDV is driving modernization in this area by putting together a comprehensive package of measures. The rail freight transport master plan includes over 66 measures, including the promotion of route prices in order to make operations more economical for railway companies.

By 2023, 350 million euros are to be made available annually from the federal budget in order to halve route prices. This money will benefit both single wagon traffic and the expansion of large freight train routes. Investments are also being made in digital signal boxes and more overhead lines to make rail freight transport even more attractive.

Sustainability in focus

But why is this all so important? Around a quarter of greenhouse gases in Europe come from transport, and rail transport is considered the most environmentally friendly option for freight transport. Loud DB Cargo Rail transport can save over 80 percent of CO₂e emissions compared to road transport. DB Cargo also offers CO₂e-neutral transport chains by using 100% green electricity.

The initiatives to modernize rail freight transport go hand in hand with the general trend to make the transport sector more sustainable. Investments are not only being made in new technologies, but also in noise protection along the tracks in order to improve the quality of life of local residents.

Overall, it can be seen that the Salzgitter Group and Volvo Cars are taking an important step towards more environmentally friendly and efficient freight transport with their new partnership. It will be exciting to see how these developments will continue to unfold in the coming years!