On December 6, the China-Europe (Changzhi-Moscow) freight train launched its maiden voyage from the Shougang Changzhi Changtie Green Energy Logistics Park.

On the same day, a China-Europe freight train loaded with 165 China-made motor vehicles gently departed from the Changtie Green Energy Logistics Park. After exiting China through Alashankou, it will proceed to its destination in Moscow, Russia. The train, carrying the vehicles in 40-foot specialized containers, will traverse 8,080 kilometers before reaching Moscow. The journey is expected to take approximately 15 days, representing a time saving of roughly 20 days compared to sea freight. This marks the first China-Europe freight train originating from the Changzhi region under China Railway Zhengzhou Group.

In August 2023, the Changtie Green Energy Logistics Park was established to leverage Shougang Changzhi’s dedicated railway line, connecting to the Taiyuan-Jiaozuo Railway at the Changzhi North Station. The park repurposes existing land and railway resources in line with the provincial and municipal initiatives to shift freight transportation from road to rail. On January 24 this year, the Shandong Port Shanxi (Changzhi) Inland Port was established in the logistics park. The planned logistics park covers an area of approximately 113 hectares, its planned infrastructure includes a smart warehousing and logistics zone, a comprehensive office area, a container handling and dispatch area, a metallurgical machinery manufacturing section, and a comprehensive resource recycling section. The first phase of construction has been completed, featuring a 100,000-m2 cargo handling yard, a 20,000-m2 bulk material storage yard, and a newly constructed charging station in partnership with GD Power, supporting the operation of new energy vehicles.

The successful launch of the Changzhi-Moscow freight train service further expands Shougang Changzhi’s railway transportation business, solidifies the Changtie Green Energy Logistics Park’s role as a regional railway hub, and enhances its brand recognition in the logistics industry. Critically, the freight train service fills a significant gap in China-Europe railway transportation in southeastern Shanxi Province, dramatically improving transportation efficiency, further reducing logistics costs for exports, and facilitating the export of more products “Made in China” to countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.