Initially, rail transport will operate on two routes: Duisburg, Germany to Pomezia, Italy, and Herne, Germany to Verona, Italy. FS subsidiary Mercitalia Intermodal will handle three trains per week on the former route, while TX Logistik, another FS company, will manage six trains weekly on the latter.
According to FS, this shift to intermodal transport has the potential to cut CO2 emissions by up to 9,000 tonnes annually compared to traditional road freight.
“Italy’s geography and strong Alpine connections position it as a key player in unlocking the benefits of a growing intermodal rail sector,” said Lorenzo Barbo, CEO of Amazon Italia Logistics. “Expanding our collaboration with Mercitalia allows us to further develop sustainable logistics practices and increase rail freight between our European sites.”
Barbo emphasized Amazon’s commitment to innovation in delivery methods, highlighting rail as a promising avenue. He also referenced a previous agreement between Amazon and Mercitalia in 2021, which he credited with improving delivery times and reducing emissions.
Sabrina De Filippis, CEO of Mercitalia Logistics, echoed the environmental goals of the partnership:
“Rail connections to and from Germany are part of our strategic plan, aligned with the European Union’s target of 30% of goods transported by rail by 2030,” she stated.
De Filippis further highlighted Mercitalia’s commitment to utilising advanced technologies to minimise emissions while maintaining high service quality. This includes initiatives like digital automatic coupling of freight carriages and warehouse digitalisation. She pointed to avoiding 1.8 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions across Mercitalia’s entire business in 2022 as an example of their success in sustainable logistics