SAL introduces updated rail terminal to enhance vehicle logistics efficiency

Scandinavian Auto Logistics (SAL), a leading provider of finished vehicle logistics services, majority owned by the Grimaldi Group, has recently upgraded the rail terminal at the multimodal hub in the Port of Esbjerg to deliver even greater speed and efficiency in vehicle logistics. With a total area of 65,000 m², the upgraded terminal streamlines the seamless transfer of vehicles between rail, sea and road transport, ensuring faster and more reliable logistics solutions for the automotive sector.

SAL CEO Henrik Otto Jensen expressed his enthusiasm for the enhanced facility: “We’re thrilled with the functionality of our upgraded rail terminal. The ability to offload vehicles directly from trains and quickly prepare them for onward transport by vessel or truck is a game-changer for our customers. It improves efficiency, reduces delays and fast-tracks the entire logistics process, which is exactly what the industry needs in today’s fast-paced environment.”

A key feature of the terminal is a state-of-the-art hydraulic ramp that is fully mobile and step-free. This allows vehicles to be loaded and unloaded from both the upper and lower decks smoothly and efficiently. The ramp is capable of handling large volumes of vehicles and is designed for optimal flexibility. The terminal has a capacity of 4,500 car equivalents.

As Henrik Otto Jensen explained: “The ramp is one of a kind. It takes only around three hours to discharge a complete train of up to 240 units, greatly reducing turnaround times and improving operational efficiency. Whether we’re loading or unloading cars, the ramp is a crucial part of our streamlined processes, ensuring vehicles move swiftly between transport modes.”

As part of Grimaldi’s weekly Euromed service, the port of Esbjerg is connected directly and regularly to the UK (Southampton), Sweden (Wallhamn), Belgium (Antwerp), Spain (Valencia), Italy (Salerno), Greece (Piraeus), Turkey (Izmir, Gemlik, Yenikoy), Egypt (Alexandria) and Cyprus (Limassol).

Strategically located, SAL’s terminal maximizes accessibility and minimizes transit time, enabling smooth coordination between rail, sea and road transport. Its upgrade is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to innovate and provide faster, more efficient services to meet the evolving needs of the automotive sector. The rail terminal at SAL features two 835-metre tracks and offers services such as stevedoring, loading/unloading, PDI & VPC, distribution, and customs brokerage.