From November 2023, the new rail link set up by Hutchison Logistics Synergy will connect its Barcelona port hub Hutchison Ports Best to the city of Toulouse. This effective link will enable the Group's customers to optimize their costs and transit times, via a comprehensive transport and customs service.

Synergy, the rail operator of the Hutchison Ports group with solid experience in creating intermodal connections, opens a Barcelona-Toulouse link for the transport of containerized goods from its Catalan port terminal Hutchison Ports Best.

A capacity of 108 TEU loaded on three weekly round trips will, from November 2023, reduce costs and load disruptions for customers in the Occitanie region. Like Aquitaine, which is already benefiting from Synergy's advantages via its Noáin terminal.

 A complete service

"As in Navarre, we want to offer a competitive, high-quality and sustainable service, providing our customers with one of the most modern and efficient container terminals in the world, with over 200 direct shipping connections," confirms Pablo García, Synergy's Managing Director.

The three European gauges available at the port of Barcelona will make the new link even more reliable, as trains will not need to stop or change locomotives at the border, and the rail resources of SNCF group subsidiary Captrain will facilitate connections from Toulouse to more inland terminals in France.

On its new Franco-Spanish route, the rail operator will deploy a comprehensive approach to its customers' operational and administrative issues.

"In addition to the train, we have trucks for the last mile and our own customs service to help our customers," says Pablo García.

As a customs agent and transit shipper, Synergy has the expertise required for customs clearance and electronic administrative document (EAD) clearance, via its Cargo Solutions service.

By offering rigorous control of goods handled, based on its AEO ("Authorized economic operator") and ADT ("Temporary deposit warehouse") certifications, Synergy guarantees a complete range of services to develop an efficient Barcelona-Toulouse axis, including beyond this single line.

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