Russian Railways division launches new container service from China to Russia

MOSCOW. March 15 (Interfax) - RZD Business Asset, a container operator that is part of Russian Railways (RZD) subsidiary RZD Logistics, is launching an overland multimodal service between China and Russia through Kazakhstan.

The new route with container deliveries in 18 days will run between Shenzhen and St. Petersburg, the company said.

"The first train with 40-foot containers was dispatched in March. Going forward there are plans to provide regular delivery of freight on this route, dispatching four trains monthly," the company said. The trains will run through the Khorgas-Altynkol border crossing between China and Kazakhstan and the Semiglavy Mar-Ozinki crossing between Kazakhstan and Russia, and carry primarily consumer goods.

RZD Business Asset, the sole operator of the service in China, Kazakhstan and Russia, provides door-to-door shipments, including train and truck delivery. The railway component full service, including provision of railcars and containers, payment of the railway rate and container handling at RZD's terminal at the Shushary station in St. Petersburg.