PSA Italy has announced the expansion of its 'Stuttgart Express' rail service, strengthening direct rail connectivity between the PSA Genova Pra' deepsea terminal and Kornwestheim in Southern Germany.

Building on its momentum since launching in May 2023, the 'Stuttgart Express' is now increasing its frequency from two to three times a week.

"With a transit time of less than 48 hours between Genoa and Kornwestheim, the enhanced Stuttgart Express provides a fast and highly competitive alternative to road transport," PSA said.

It noted that trains of up to 500 meters in length transport containers with exceptional reliability and at significantly lower cost compared to trucking.

PSA said that in this new configuration, it will continue to oversee the bookings and all administrative processes for the Stuttgart Express, including transit and export documentation.

Upon request, PSA Italy also offers first and last mile service in Stuttgart, as well as a trucking service between PSA Genova Pra's rail terminal to the west of the old city center and terminals in Genova's Old Port in the east.

The Stuttgart Express is PSA Italy's second rail product from Genova Pra', complementing the Southern Express, which is the first direct connection between Genova and Basel, Switzerland, running three times per week.

Driving the modal shift

The Stuttgart Express rail service supports a shift from road to rail transport, helping customers reduce their environmental impact. According to Ecotransit World, the switch from trucking to rail along the Transalpine corridor cuts carbon emissions by 83% and lowers energy use by 49%.

Roberto Ferrari, managing director, PSA Italy, said: "transitioning container transport between ports and Europe's hinterland from road to rail marks a meaningful step towards advancing PSA's climate action goals."

"The enhanced Stuttgart Express creates even more opportunities for organisations to do this in a cost-effective and efficient way," he added.

PSA Italy operates in Genova and Venice in the terminals of PSA Genova Pra', PSA SECH and PSA Vecon, with a total of more than two million TEUs handled per year.