Spain’s Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda (Mitma) has commissioned a specially-adapted train to help get Ukraine’s grain back on the move during its war with Russia. The train comprises 25 40-foot containers fitted with inner linings, so that grain can be transported easily. It is a pilot programme designed to demonstrate the feasibility of bringing grain from Ukraine to Europe.
The first train left Madrid Abroñigal station on 7 August 2022, taking the route Madrid – Ludwigshafen – Duisburg – Lodz – Chelm (Poland). The train is to be loaded with grain at Chelm, 25km from the Ukraine border, and will return using the route Chelm – Lodz – Duisburg – Barcelona, a round trip of 2,400km.