Maersk has launched its first weekly rail service from Xian, China to Izmit, Turkey.

In a statement, the shipping major said this new route, which is part of Maersk Intercontinental Rail service network, will not only shorten transit time but will also provide customers with wide network options connecting main locations in China and Turkey with a diverse range of pre- and on-carriage services.

The rail express service is set for weekly departures on each Tuesday subject to utilization levels.

“After having successfully launched our Intercontinental Rail (ICR) service from China to Europe three years ago we have seen an increase in demand by our customers for this particular service from different locations across both Asia and Europe," said Kasper Krog, head of Intercontinental Rail at A.P. Moller - Maersk.

"Due to its strategic geographical location, wide industry sector as well as all ambitious initiatives taken by the government to improve the rail infrastructure across the country we decided to launch ICR in Turkey not only for those companies located within the country but also as a link between Asia and Europe,” he added.

Maersk said this rail service is ideal for customers within the automotive and technology industrial verticals in Turkey and other segments which are in high need of fast delivery to market.

Due to a well-connected rail system across the country, ICR is providing its customers with connections to Black Sea, Eastern Europe and Southern European countries via the port of Korfez in Izmit, by using feeder network of Sealand a Maersk Company. 

Depending on their supply chain needs, Maersk said the customers are given further flexibility choosing different Maersk transportation solutions by rail and ocean, as part of the integrated offerings across ocean, logistics and services allowing them to react quickly to changing market demands.