A.P. Moller – Maersk has arranged the first block train service dedicated to the global sporting goods retailer Decathlon, from Vietnam to Europe.
Loaded with 23 40-feet containers with Decathlon products, the train left the Vietnamese capital Hanoi on 29 July and is heading towards Zhengzhou in China.
From Zhengzhou, the train will continue its service directly for Liège city in Belgium. The French cities Dourges and Rouvignies constitute the final destination, where the cargoes will be transported by trucks, by the end of August.
Maersk Global Account Director for Decathlon, Philippe Dunand pointed out the importance of this new service, saying that “this first block train from Vietnam to Europe for Decathlon will not only achieve reliable lead times but also provide our customers with improved visibility.
He added, “This service is also driving synergies between intermodal and rail transport, adding resilience and great value for Decathlon’s supply chain.”
Lifestyle and Retail Client Manager, Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar Area at Maersk, Rossie Hong Nguyen noted that despite the container shortage, limited space in the warehouse, and ocean capacity constraints on the services network, Maersk makes constant efforts to cater for Decathlon’ specific needs.
“We are currently working on arranging three more block trains to Europe in the following quarter,” she said.
