Dania Connect strengthens rail shuttle traffic at the Port of Helsingborg

On December 16, 2024, a new rail shuttle service from Port of Helsingborg, operated by Dania Connect in collaboration with the railway operator SHN Cargo, was launched. With this initiative, Dania Connect provides efficient and sustainable solutions for the flow of goods to and from key destinations such as Jönköping and Älmhult, strengthening Sweden’s intermodal transport network.

Rail Shuttles for the Future of Logistics

Dania Connect, an experienced party in intermodal transport, has established five regular rail shuttles from the Port of Helsingborg. Each shuttle has a capacity of 40 double-deck wagons, equivalent to 80 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units). The shuttles, running Monday to Friday, link key logistics hubs across Sweden, with companies like IKEA and Eimskip among the largest customers. These rail shuttles offer an efficient means of transporting goods while reducing reliance on road transport, making logistics flows more sustainable and cost-effective.

Dania Connect’s Vision and Growth

For many years, Dania Connect has worked to streamline the flow of goods and provide sustainable transport solutions that reduce environmental impact. The company has built a strong network and is known for its flexibility and innovative solutions. A key part of Dania Connect’s strategy is integrating digital solutions to simplify the management of rail bookings, making it as easy to book rail transport as it is to book road transport.

— Sustainability is essential to our work in the coming years, followed by digitalisation and customer service. We’ve worked with rail for many years and will continue investing in this transport mode. We expect to increase from our current 26 trains per week to approximately 35-40 trains per week within a couple of years, says Mikael Andersson, CEO of Dania Connect.

Collaboration with SHN Cargo

The collaboration with railway operator SHN Cargo, based in Nässjö, has been a key factor in establishing the rail shuttles. Dania Connect and SHN Cargo have worked together for many years, and their close and reliable partnership has facilitated both the launch and operation of the new rail shuttles.

— We know that SHN Cargo is a reliable partner always ready to assist or make changes when necessary. Their experience and flexibility have been invaluable in this project, says Mikael.

The future of rail shuttles and sustainability

Dania Connect views the continued expansion of rail shuttles as central to its strategy. The company expects the number of shuttles to increase yearly, with plans to expand capacity and add more routes. The company is proud of its block trains, which can accommodate 80-88 TEUs and operate on a fixed timetable with few deviations. This provides a reliable and punctual transport solution.

— We operate block trains with fixed schedules, ensuring customers receive their goods on time. This is working well and something we’re proud of, Mikael continues.

Sustainability at the Core

Sustainability is a cornerstone of Dania Connect’s operations. The company has significantly reduced its environmental impact using electric trains. Last year, around 40,000 units were transported using electric trains, with final deliveries made to customers using HVO 100 or electricity, making this an unbeatable product on the market.

— We’re already delivering sustainable transport solutions today. Last year, we transported around 40,000 units using electric trains, with final delivery to customers using HVO 100 or electricity. In addition, we’re transitioning our fleet to electric vehicles, with 12 electric trucks already in use. We aim to have all our vehicles electric by 2030, Mikael adds.

Efficient logistics solution at Port of Helsingborg

Units are unloaded and loaded at the Port of Helsingborg at the Port’s combi-terminal. The rail shuttles are administrated and booked through Dania’s rail traffic office in Gothenburg, enabling a smooth and efficient logistics solution for all involved parties. With a total of 19 shuttle departures per week, including Boliden’s shuttles, the volume of goods is expected to increase as more customers join the network.

— With the new capacity provided by Dania’s shuttles, we expect the volume of goods to increase as more customers join the network, says Anders Paulsson, Key Account Manager at Port of Helsingborg, who has worked closely with Mikael to get the new rail shuttle traffic up and running at the Port of Helsingborg.