03/01/2012

SNCF Geodis runs its first "long" train measuring 850 metres

SNCF Geodis runs its first "long" train measuring 850 metres and weighing 2,400 tons

For the first time, SNCF Geodis is running an 850-metre "long" train on the line between Perpignan and Luxembourg. The operation was carried out by Lorry Rail, the rail motorway operator in which SNCF Group is the main stakeolder in partnership with Les Chemins de Fer Luxembourgeois (CFL) and Modalhor, and its haulier Fret SNCF. This is yhe longest fright train ever to cross France breaking the previous record of 750 metres.

 

On 19 and 20 December, a train measuring 850 metres in lenght ran along the line between the Spanish border near Perpignan (Le Boulou) and Luxembourg (Bettembourg) including a stop a Woippy (57). This type of traon can carry 2,400 tonnes of freight, compared with 1,800 previously. These large-capacity convoys are made up of 24 double-sided wagons able to load 48 semi-trailers compared with 18 wagons able to load 48 semi trailers formerly, for a capacity increase of over 33%. Three drivers from Fret SNCF take the controls in turn over the 1,045 km route, which is completed in 15 hours. From the beginning of January, 2012, this rail link will gradually be extended up to four daily return journeys.

 

Twelve months of cooperation and research to achieve this technical feat

To enable this train of new dimensions to run at 100 kph on the national rail network, RFF checked and adapted the infrastructure over this route and on other major lines. RFF, SNCf Infra and the Dierction des Circultations Ferroviaires (traffic management) also worked with many other palyers to approve and implement the adjustments made to the network in less than a year. The 2,400 tonnes of freight are carried by two Fret SNCF electric locomotives (27000 series or 37000 series) positionned at the head of the train and pullin a line of Modalohr wagons.

 

Wider sales potential

The Valenton - Marseille route has also been adapted to take combined trains measuring 850 metres in length for 1,800 tonnes at a speed of 120 kph.

Lorry Rail, which markets the Luxembourg/Perpignan rail motorway service, has multiplied by seven the annual volume of semi-trailers and containers shipped since the opening in 2008, to reach almost 50,000 units in 2011.

With the ling train, Lorry Rail is fully in line with the targets set out in the master plan launched in 2009 on new ecological freight transport.

By 2014, building on the  combination of the performance of the catenaries, the  locomotives of Fret SNCF, the Modalohr wagons and the combined wagons, will enable all the players to adapt the main network lines to trains of 1,050 metres for  volumes of 3,000 tonnes.

These maxi-convoys reflect the ambition of SNCF Geodis to innovate in rail freight services in France and the rest of Europe. They sharpen the competitive edge of rail services," explains Pierre Blayau, CEO of SNCF Geodis. "This technical feat was Infra who worked in coordination to overcome all obstacles in record time for this type of project."

 

 

 

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