New logistics center for truck, air, ship and rail in Turku

First multimodal facility in Finland links all four modes of transport

News Item Entered: Tuesday, April 17, 2007

(Essen/Turku, 17 April 2007) Today at the port of Turku the first multimodal logistics center in Finland was officially opened. The new Schenker complex is unique to Finland, linking the four carriers – truck, air, ship and rail – and serving at the same time as a distribution center. The rail link makes it possible for goods to be transshipped directly out of the wagons coming from the ferry terminal. This new logistics concept for Finland provides enhanced efficiency, economy and service quality.

On an area measuring 30,000 square meters at the port of Turku, a 22,000 square meter facility has been created, equipped with the most up-to-date technology. The seven naves of the complex, which can be temperature-controlled if required, have storage space for 45,000 fast turnaround pallets. These carry goods which will be stored only briefly before being passed on to the market. There is also sufficient space for complementary services like repackaging, order picking, upgrading and assembly. Schenker carries out the further distribution of goods, within Finland and internationally, with the help of the own network.

The Schenker logistics center offers rail connections both on the Russian and on the European track gauge system. "Bearing in mind the increasing volume of freight shipments, the direct rail link to Russia adds up to a notable competitive advantage," stresses Göran Åberg, Regional Director East at Schenker AG. "We are confident that in the foreseeable future we will be able to use the Trans-Siberian Railroad for the shipment of consumer goods from the Far East – for distribution to other European countries as well."

The facility is also equipped to handle hazardous goods. The port of Turku is a center for Schenker's activities in Scandinavia. With numerous fast ferry connections, it is an important interface for the region.