METRANS, which has begun Swap Body transport on the Halkalı–Dunajská Streda line, is preparing to launch its first direct train service to Europe via the Kocaeli Railport. Peter Kiss, CEO of METRANS Group, emphasized that Türkiye plays a critical role in intermodal solutions with its road-rail integration.

METRANS, one of Europe’s leading intermodal transport companies, is strengthening its presence in Türkiye. Peter Kiss, CEO of METRANS Group, stated that Türkiye holds a vital place in the company’s global growth strategy, adding that the country’s role in the network has been further strengthened with the launch of Swap Body transportation on the Halkalı–Dunajská Streda line. Kiss noted that they provide end-to-end support to customers with teams working in two offices and the Halkalı Terminal in Türkiye, and emphasized that the train operations starting from Kocaeli Railport will be the first direct services from Türkiye to the European Union.

MANAGES 7 CENTERS AND 13 TERMINALS IN EUROPE

METRANS is one of Europe’s leading brands in intermodal transportation. Could you tell us about your global structure and which markets you have a strong presence in?

METRANS operates across Europe with a strong and reliable intermodal network. We manage 7 hub terminals, 13 end terminals, and we are also active in major seaports. Our strongest presence is in Dunajská Streda in Slovakia and Prague in the Czech Republic, while we are expanding in Serbia and Romania. Among our busiest routes are Hamburg–Prague with 49 trains per week, Hamburg–Česká Třebová with 37, and Koper–Dunajská Streda with 35. These figures demonstrate the scale and efficiency of our operations.

How does your terminal and train network across Europe differentiate METRANS from other operators? How do figures such as exceeding 650 weekly train operations position your global operations?

With more than 650 weekly train operations, METRANS provides one of the most extensive intermodal services in Europe. What differentiates us is the combination of our own rail services with a network of terminals, giving us full control over quality, stability, and capacity. This integrated approach enables us to offer reliable connections and flexible solutions, which is a clear advantage for our customers in a highly competitive market.

What strategic role does Türkiye play in METRANS’s Europe-Asia transportation chain? What is the importance of Türkiye, especially in terms of the Silk Road and Middle Corridor connections?

Türkiye has two major roles for us. The exchange between Türkiye and our part of Europe economic region and Türkiye plays a strategic role as a bridge between Europe and Asia. For shipments from China to Europe, we provide rail connections via Istanbul. At the same time, we offer services for transit cargo in both directions, with a focus on Kazakhstan, Baku, and other Turkish Republics. This makes Türkiye an essential part of the METRANS network.

SWAP BODY TRANSPORTATIONS HAVE STARTED ON THE HALKALI–DUNAJSKÁ STREDA LINE

What intermodal services do you offer for the Turkish market? Could you provide information about the services you launched this year? Could you tell us about your port connections, terminal services or customer-specific solutions? 

In Türkiye, we provide intermodal solutions by combining road and rail. Our port connections also work this way. This year, we launched Swap Body transports between Halkalı and Dunajská Streda. While METRANS does not operate its own terminal in Türkiye, we work from the TCDD Halkalı Terminal, where we have two offices and a team of six colleagues dedicated to supporting our customers in all processes.

What goals has METRANS set for environmentally friendly transportation and reducing its carbon footprint on a global scale? How do you contribute to these goals through your operations in Türkiye?

Sustainability is one of our key priorities. By shifting part of the Europe–Türkiye transport from road to rail, we reduce emissions and ease border congestion. In this way, our Turkish operations contribute directly to METRANS’s wider environmental goals and our commitment to greener logistics.

What are the most common cargo categories you carry globally? What are the prominent sectors in terms of cargo coming to and leaving Türkiye?

We transport a diverse range of cargo, including automotive spare parts, tires, batteries, packaging materials, soft drinks, and various chemical products. It is important to highlight that a significant share of our activities focuses also on the safe and efficient transport of hazardous materials, where we bring long-standing expertise.

What infrastructure investments do you plan to focus on in the coming period, both globally and in Türkiye? Are new train lines, terminals or digitalization projects on your agenda?

Looking ahead, we are preparing important infrastructure projects. A milestone will be our train operations from Railport in Kocaeli, located close to the Anatolian side of Istanbul. This will be the first direct open service from Kocaeli to the EU, creating a highly attractive solution for the market and representing a crucial step both for Türkiye and METRANS.

TURKIYE IS CENTRAL TO OUR GROWTH STRATEGY

What are METRANS’s 5-year global growth targets? Where do Türkiye operations fit into this vision?

Over the next five years, we will continue to grow our intermodal network, strengthen Europe–Asia connections, and advance digitalization. Türkiye has a vital place in this strategy. Thanks to its geographical position and the opportunities of the Middle Corridor, it is a natural hub for our future development.

“Over the next five years, we will continue to grow our intermodal network, strengthen Europe–Asia connections, and advance digitalization. Türkiye has a vital place in this strategy. Thanks to its geographical position and the opportunities of the Middle Corridor, it is a natural hub for our future development.”