The Channel Tunnel, which opened more than 30 years ago as a major pathway for trade between the UK and continental Europe, remains significantly under-used for rail freight [The Loadstar].
In 2023, just over 1,400 freight trains went through the tunnel — an average of only five per working day. Today, that average is down to four.
And the link’s operator, Getlink (formerly Groupe Eurotunnel), estimates this represents just 10% of the annual capacity available — one million tonnes.
The Eurasian Rail Alliance Index (ERAI) was introduced for the first time exactly a year ago, at PRO//Dvizhenie.1520 Transport Logistics Forum in Sochi. It is a unique instrument that allows any market player to decide on the delivery mode by assessing the cost of transportation via the longest leg of the Trans-Eurasian Route.
With economic development, environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues are becoming increasingly important for many sectors, including transport. The transport sector is one of the pillars of international trade and the modern world as a whole, and rail transport is a crucial component of this ecosystem.
