First Container Train Sets Off from Bay Port

A celebratory ceremony marked the departure of the first freight train from Bay Port earlier this week, attended by representatives from Israel Railways, ZIM Shipping Company, and Bay Port. The inaugural train carried 17 containers from ZIM, heralding a new era of green, efficient, and safe cargo transportation from the port to the north and center of the country, eliminating the need for trucks.

Since Bay Port began operations in 2021, there was no direct connection to the national railway network. Now, after extensive infrastructure work carried out by Israel Railways and Israel Ports Company, a new 5-kilometer railway has been completed, connecting the port to the national network and enabling regular train movement of cargo in and out of the port.

The railway was established as part of a collaboration between Israel Railways, Israel Ports Company, and SIPG, the company operating the port. A new railway terminal was also established, featuring four tracks totaling 3 kilometers in length. The terminal allows for the simultaneous loading and unloading of up to three trains, a move that is expected to significantly improve the pace of cargo movement and reduce congestion on terrestrial transport infrastructure. The freight train is expected to reduce the number of trucks on the roads, reduce emissions, and improve services for the entire economy.

Bay Port CEO, Miao Chiang, said at the ceremony: 'This is an exciting and important moment for Bay Port and its customers. Connecting the port to the national railway is a strategic step that will strengthen the national supply chain, reduce road congestion, and establish Bay Port as a leading logistics center in Israel and the Mediterranean. We are proud to be partners in this vision and to continue to strengthen the Israeli economy and enable efficiency, green solutions, and innovation.'

Chairman of the Israel Railways Board, Moshe Shimony: 'Today we marked another milestone towards a new and more efficient era of goods movement through the implementation of the policy of Transportation Minister Miri Regev and the vision of the Israel Railways Board as part of the implementation of the work plan. Israel Railways has set itself the goal of improving the fabric of life in the country, both in terms of passenger service through extensive investment in new railway development projects, and in terms of upgrading freight train traffic whose impact will be felt over time in all areas of life.'

Shiko Zana, CEO of Israel Railways: 'The operation of the train at Bay Port is made possible thanks to a national strategic plan to connect the Mediterranean Sea ports to the national railway network. The connection will bring about a dramatic improvement in the fabric of life in the country, reduce congestion on the roads and increase their safety, and move goods more efficiently and environmentally friendly. I would like to thank all those involved in the work so that we can see the fruits that this vital plan yields.'

The operation of the new branch to Bay Port marks the completion of the connection of all five Mediterranean Sea ports to the national railway network, and is a significant part of the development plan for cargo transportation by Israel Railways.

Since one train is equivalent to 60-70 trucks, transporting cargo by train reduces congestion on the roads, reduces road accidents, and contributes to reducing emissions and air pollution.