DP World has begun handling cargo on a new intermodal rail service connecting its facility in Novi Sad , Serbia to Herne in western Germany, a strategic logistics hub in the Rhine -Ruhr region.

The service operate d by Austrian transport company, LKW Walter , offers three weekly departures, with the journey taking 45 hours , faster than traditional long -haul trucking routes , while reducing carbon emissions by up to 80%. The Novi Sad terminal is the first in Serbia to offer this type of regular intermodal rail connection to Western Europe. Gokhan Yurteken, General Manager, DP World Novi Sad, said: “By connecting Novi Sad to the Rhine -Ruhr region with a scheduled intermodal service, w e’re strengthening Serbia’s integration into European supply chains and reinforcing its role as a strategic trade gateway in Southeast Europe. This service will give our customers a faster and more predictable route from Serbia into western Europe, reducing reliance on cross -border trucking operations, while improving schedule reliability and cutting emissions. ”

The Novi Sad to Herne rail service responds to increasing regulatory and operational pressures on long -haul road transport between Serbia and Western Europe. Companies face unpredictable transit times and growing exposure to European Union road freight rules, including the Entry/Exit System (EES) and s tricter driver mobility requirements such as limits on the number of days drivers are permitted to stay within EU territory.

Vladica Ćulafić, Chief Commercial Officer, DP World Novi Sad , said: “As regulatory requirements for road transport continue to evolve across the European Union, customers are seeking solutions that offer greater speed, predictability and lower administrative complexity. Intermodal rail offers all three, while also delive ring measurable carbon savings.” Intermodal transport combines rail and road to optimise efficiency and sustainability. Containers are transported primarily by rail for the long -haul segment, with first – and last -mile delivery by truck. This model significantly reduces emissions, fuel con sumption and driver dependency compared to full road transport. By shifting the long -haul segment to intermodal rail, the Novi Sad to Herne rail service reduces reliance on complex cross -border trucking operations and transit licensing, providing a faster, more predictable alternative that strengthens supply chain reliability.
Source: DP World