New Lovosice - Zeebrugge intermodal line

On 11 September 2023, new Lovosice - Zeebrugge intermodal line was launched. It is operated by Belgian logistics company ECS, based in the port of Zeebrugge, in cooperation with ČD Cargo Logistics. Traction is provided by ČD Cargo and Lineas. The first train arrived in Lovosice on 13 September and delivered 44 containers, the return train departed on the same day, reaching Zeebrugge on 15 September.

Transshipment in Lovosice takes place at the premises of ČD-DUSS Terminal. For now, the train runs once a week, but ECS expects to increase its frequency due to the increase in German road tolls. ČD Cargo Logistics sees a significant potential for the transport of various goods between the Czech Republic and Belgium, which could lead to a further increase in train frequency.

The port of Zeebrugge is one of the main European terminals for the transshipment of cars between sea and land transport and has been linked to the Czech Republic for a long time, but only in the transport of new automobiles. In this case, it is a different type of goods, the transport of which is ensured by ECS for its customer, Czech factory of Drylock Technologies, which is a Belgium-based manufacturer of hygiene products. Raw materials for production are transported to the Czech Republic, and finished products are transported back. From the port they then continue to the UK. These are already existing shipments of goods that have so far been sent by road.

In general, direct regular transports between the Czech Republic and Belgium are still waiting for significant development, so far they are represented only by the Belexpress line (formerly operated as part of the Green Xpress Network) from Antwerp to Ústí nad Labem, open to the transport of goods of any interested party, whose operator is also ČD Cargo Logistics since mid-2022. More trains to Belgium could follow as part of the development of the activities of the Mošnov transfer station and its partnership with the Port Authority of Port of Antwerp-Bruges.