Webinar: the impact of the coronavirus on the New Silk Road

The outbreak of the coronavirus has led to cancellations of rail freight services all across China. The largest impact is on Wuhan, where the outbreak is most serious, but also in other provinces restrictions are in place.

Apart from the general concern over the spread of the virus, the impact on rail freight between Europe and Asia is felt. Above all, there is confusion over which services will resume, and when. During the webinar themed ‘The Impact of Wuhan’s closure on the New Silk Road‘, such practical information will be discussed.

The webinar takes place on Tuesday 4 February, from 11 till 12am CET. At least two industry experts will share their experience. Wubbo Mossing Holsteijn represents Nunner Logistics, while Igor Tambaca comes from Rail Cargo Bridge. Both will explain what they know about the latest possibilities. Marco Reichel from Crane Worldwide Logistics is based in Shanghai and will call in to share his experience on local ground, just like Jacky Yan, Vice President and Head of Rail & Intermodal at Shanghai-based Chinatrans International Limited.

Current situation

Rail freight traffic from the Chinese province of Hubei, with its capital Wuhan, has come to a standstill. Trains are not permitted to leave the province until the end of February. Rail freight traffic from other provinces is still moving, but with severe limitations. The Chinese New Year has been extended till Sunday 2 February, meaning that until then most staff has not resumed to work.

Although traffic in and out of Wuhan is currently halted, there are possibilities to ship cargo from other provinces, depending on where you are. The borders remain open for freight traffic, and there have been successful train runs this week.