ML-Implode News - First China-U.K. Freight Train Departs as Xi Seeks to Lift Trade

London becomes the 15th European city with direct trains from China following the unveiling of Xi's so-called Belt-and-Road initiative in 2013. The plan put transport links at the center of efforts to create a modern Silk Road and boost commercial ties to markets across Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Europe.
While the train can carry about 200 containers, versus 20,000 on a large cargo vessel, the trip takes about half as long as a 30-day sailing between East Asia and northern Europe.Â That will make rail a competitive optionÂ when maritime shipments are held up or miss the booked departure, especially compared with airfreight, which costs twice as much, according to Michael White, operations director at Brunel Shipping, the U.K. booking agent for the service.

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First China-U.K. Freight Train Departs as Xi Seeks to Lift Trade