Intermodal services
Barge and rail connections
Samskip offers excellent intermodal connections on the European Continent. With Rotterdam being the main hub of the Samskip short sea services, a wide range of modalities can be offered to transport cargo throughout the European hinterland.
Samskip shows to be a true multimodal operator by offering road, train as well as barge connections. All hinterland destinations are fully integrated in Samskip’s multimodal service network. From Rotterdam, connections can be made with one of Samskip’s short sea services to the UK, Iberia, Ireland, Scandinavia and the Baltic States and Russia.
On the European continent Samskip offers rail and barge services to/from the Benelux, Germany, Sweden, Italy, Greece, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia
Benelux services
With our main hub being Rotterdam, good hinterland connections are available to and from all destinations in the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg. Due to the short distances most transports within the Benelux are made via road. However, within the Netherlands barge services form a very effective mode of transport as well.
| Benelux | Mode | Services |
|---|---|---|
| Rotterdam <> Meppel | barge | 2 x per week |
| Rotterdam <> Den Bosch | barge | 4 x per week |
| Rotterdam <> Hengelo | barge | 5 x per week |
Germany services
With the connections to Germany we proof being a true multimodal service provider: Containers are moved via barge, train and road to offer customers the most optimal transport solution in term of reliability, quality of service and price.
| Germany | Mode | Services |
|---|---|---|
| Rotterdam <> Duisburg | barge | 3 x per week |
| Rotterdam <> Mannheim | train | 6 x per week |
| Rotterdam <> Ludwigshafen | train | 6 x per week |
| Rotterdam <> Frankfurt | train | 5 x per week |
| Rotterdam <> Hamburg | train | 5 x per week |
| Rotterdam <> Munich | train | 3 x per week |
| Rotterdam <> Herne | train | 5 x per week |
Italy service
Italy is completely integrated into Samskip’s multimodal service network. Frequent rail shuttles connect Novara, Busto (Milano), Fiorenzuolo, Brescia, Padova and Pomezia with Rotterdam rail terminal.
| Italy | Mode | Services |
|---|---|---|
| Rotterdam <> Novara | train | 6 x per week |
| Rotterdam <> Pomexia | train | 6 x per week |
| Rotterdam <> Busto | train | 5 x per week |
| Rotterdam <> Padova | train | 5 x per week |
| Rotterdam <> Brescia | train | 5 x per week |
Greece service
Samskip’s door-to-door multimodal service network connects Western, Northern and Eastern Europe with the Greece peninsula. Via Athens and Thesaloniki containers are transferred to/from the frequent rail shuttles to Herne, Mannheim and Rotterdam.
| Greece service | Mode | Services |
|---|---|---|
| Rotterdam <> Athens (via Mannheim/ Herne) | train | 2 x per week |
| Rotterdam <> Athens (via Brindisi) | train | 5 x per week |
| Rotterdam <> Thessaloniki | train | 2 x per week |
Eastern Europe services
Combining rail services with short-sea and trucking solutions, Samskip connects Eastern Europe with North and Western Europe on a door-to-door basis. Using frequent rail shuttles Bratislava, Budapest, Prague and Warsaw are all destinations in the Samskip network
| Eastern Europe | Mode | Services |
|---|---|---|
| Rotterdam <> Slovakia (Bratislava) | train | 2 x per week |
| Rotterdam <> Hungary (Budapest) | train | 2 x per week |
| Rotterdam <> Czech Republic (Prague) | train | 3 x per week |
| Rotterdam <> Poland (Warsaw) | train | 3 x per week |
Sweden services
Via our shortsea Sweden and Baltic service we offer very good connections with Sweden. Furthermore connections between Sweden and hinterland destinations such as Italy, Greece and Eastern Europe can also be made by rail via Herne in Germany.
| Sweden | Mode | Services |
|---|---|---|
| Rotterdam <> Amhult (via Herne) | train | 6 x per week |
| Rotterdam <> Norrkoping (via Herne) | train | 5 x per week |
| Rotterdam <> Gothenburg (via Herne) | train | 3 x per week |
Advantages Samskip’s rail connections
- All rail services are fully integrated in Samskip’s multimodal transport network.
- Rail transport is a safe way of transportation and therefore suitable for transport of heavy loads and hazardous cargo.
- Fixed schedules and regular departures
- Rail provides a high capacity solution and is free of congestion.
- Wide range of equipment possible (dry boxes)
- Professional and dedicated customer service teams
- Local agents and dedicated account coordinate to ensure customized service
- Absence of toll or maut charges and low unit costs make rail transport a cost effective solution.
- Low emissions make rail an environmentally friendly alternative to road transport.
Although information is updated regularly, the information on the website remains subject to change. Therefore do not hesitate to contact your local Samskip office for the latest information on our service offer and schedules.


