DB Cargo talks to block train specialist Claudia Werk

What role do block trains play in European freight transport today?
Now as ever, block trains play a very important role. Large chemical companies use them in particular to supply their locations with basic chemicals as part of an integrated production system. In contrast to traditional single wagonload transport, block trains can haul large quantities of product from point A to point B with short transport times. The continuous nature of these transports is advantageous, especially when hauling dangerous goods – and it protects the environment.

Claudia Werk is the head of Sales Operation Centre Chemicals 1. Copyright: DB Cargo

How do you see demand and growth potential for block train transport developing over time?
Demand won't drop off. In fact, it will continue to grow. Freight transport using block trains leverages all the advantages of the railways. Nowhere else can such large quantities of product be transported quickly over long distances with such a small CO2 footprint and high energy efficiency. The average load carried by one of our chemicals block trains is equivalent to 50 lorry loads. However, the trend in transport services is moving towards greater integration. In future, we won't just have customer-specific block trains. Instead, solutions will be industry- or corridor-specific.

How might our block train transport product be improved for our customers?
Industry-specific products are already a big step forward. If multiple chemical companies share a block train, which then supplies more than one chemical park, this creates more flexibility for customers, allowing them to sometimes ship smaller quantities. Grouped trains, which combine block trains with single wagonload transport, should be developed further. There's also room for improvement in international consignment tracking. Digitalisation can lend a hand in this regard.