A.P. Moller - Maersk’s block train transports COVID-19 antigen self-test kits from China to UK

Xiamen, China - Departed from Xiamen, Fujian Province in China on April 21, this dedicated train of medical cargoes is carrying forty-one 40’-container consignment to the United Kingdom. The train will stop at Duisburg, Germany and the cargoes will be transferred to the UK by trucks in early May.

“We are proud of winning the trust from our customer as transporting medical cargoes needs extra dedication, especially when container shortages and port congestions are an industry-wide challenge across Asia. We will continue to work with rail partners in China to provide fast and reliable service to cater customers’ needs,” says Candy Tang, Maersk Intercontinental Rail product manager, Maersk Greater China.

As COVID-19 pandemic continues, the demand of rapid antigen Self-test kits has increased. The client in the Pharmaceutical sector has purchased almost five hundred 40’-containers of these detection kits, and Maersk will arrange the transportation in the following two months.

”The supply chains for pharmaceutical customers include high levels of complexity and we understand the need for reliability as well as the importance of products getting to the patients. Intercontinental rail is a good choice and can add value and alternative solution to their supply chain, helping them to secure greater resilience,” comments Hristo Petkov, global head of pharmaceuticals at Maersk.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, Maersk Intercontinental rail product has played a crucial role in supporting clients to arrange shipment of personal protective equipment (PPE) cargoes, time-sensitive cargoes and raw materials from China to Europe.

 “To help customers mitigate their supply chain disruptions, Maersk remains customer-centric, providing long term value through integrated products and digital solutions. During 2020, Maersk has operated a total of 210 tailored intercontinental trains from China to European countries, among which 60 are dedicated delivery of crucial medical equipment. With customers’ increasing interests in transporting cargoes via rail services, we are doing our utmost to provide this cost-efficient, environmentally friendly mode of transportation,” adds Nora Lin, Head of Logistics Products, Maersk’s Greater China.

In an attempt to better cater for the ever-changing needs of our customers around the world, A.P. Moller - Maersk block train services have been extended to 40 corridors in 13 countries. 

About A.P. Moller - Maersk

A.P. Moller - Maersk is an integrated container logistics company working to connect and simplify its customers’ supply chains. As the global leader in shipping services, the company operates in 130 countries and employs approximately 80,000 people.