FEPEX considers that the implementation of the Mediterranean Corridor for freight would create a huge improvement in logistics for the Spanish fruit and vegetable producing and exporting sector, boosting its competitiveness.
The director of the Association of Producers and Exporters of Fruits and Vegetables in the Region of Murcia, Fernando P. Gómez, said that the horticultural sector in Murcia, Alicante and Almeria is strongly in favour of the Mediterranean Corridor, since it would reduce logistics costs and delivery times and would be beneficial to the environment.
Gómez stressed that 3,000 trucks loaded with fruit and vegetables depart from Murcia every week bound for Europe. The load of these 3,000 trucks would fill 69 x 750 metre long trains on a weekly basis. If we also take Alicante and Almeria into account, the figure increases to 7,000 trucks per week, which would fill 143 trains.
Fernando Gómez said that if only 10% of the exported volumes could be shipped by rail, 7 weekly trains from Murcia and 14 including Alicante and Almeria would be needed, and this would already be profitable for the rail industry and the agricultural sector.
For now, transport of fruit and vegetables by rail is virtually non-existent.
Fruit and vegetable producers and exporters would prefer a mixed system, with trucks bringing produce from fields to the railway station, where the trailer would be placed in the train, shipped and later picked up by another truck on arrival.
The sector wants the cold chain to be maintained, while reducing shipping times and improving the reliability of the service.