Dania Connect: Cost surcharges to short sea traffic can benefit rail

Railway charges are being raised and environmental compensation for freight transport by rail is being lowered. Nonetheless, Markus Ekwall at Dania Connect believes that the Emissions Trading System (ETS) cost surcharge will benefit rail traffic, and the company continues to develop near-climate-neutral train solutions between APM Terminals in Gothenburg and the major Swedish markets. 

96% less carbon emissions via rail

Dania Connect, formerly known as GDL Sjöcontainer, offers five departures per week between APM Terminals Gothenburg and the combi terminal in Eskilstuna. 

“By choosing our popular solution of electric trains from APM Terminals and HVO trucks for the last stretch between Eskilstuna and Arlanda (rather than diesel trucks the entire way), you save an incredible 96% in carbon emissions,” explains Markus Ekwall, Department Manager at Dania Connect AB, and continues:

"Sustainability is in focus, though we have seen a somewhat slowing demand during the recession. However, we have great confidence in this solution and are convinced that it will be an attractive option now that Eskilstuna logistics park is expanding with new, large warehouses."

“Rail + electric truck, an unbeatable duo from an environmental point of view”

APM Terminals is offering a similar solution to both Hallsberg and Jönköping, and Dania Connect is now exploring the possibilities of making an already green solution even greener.

"From Jönköping, we have two electric trucks that drive the last stretch to the warehouses in Torsvik, a solution that is completely unbeatable from an environmental point of view. We are investigating the possibility of expanding our electric truck fleet to more destinations," he says. 

The EU Emissions Trading Scheme is expected to benefit rail companies

Since 1 January 2024, container shipping within the EU has been covered by the emissions trading system, which Markus Ekwall believes will benefit rail traffic.

"When it becomes more expensive to drive feeders via Sweden’s east coast, I think more people will look to the railways. At the same time, railway charges will be increased starting next year and the Swedish government’s environmental compensation for freight transport by rail will be reduced, which I personally think is counterproductive from a sustainability perspective. To avoid that goods are moved to environmentally poorer alternatives, I hope that a similar cost surcharge for carbon dioxide emissions will be introduced for truck traffic," he concludes.