When we talk about rail transport, most people think of passenger trains filled with travelers or long freight cars loaded with classic containers. But did you know that the railway also transports a lot of specialized cargo? An example of this is cars!
The cars are transported in specialized car wagons maintained by Mantena at Grorud. Here we have a dedicated team of four people who ensure that the car wagons are ready to transport the vehicles safely, efficiently, and as environmentally friendly as possible.
What does a car wagon actually look like?
At first glance, a car wagon may resemble a passenger coach, but that’s where the similarity ends. Car wagons are specially constructed to transport vehicles, with tailored decks and loading systems that ensure the vehicles remain secure during transport. In contrast to more versatile cargo wagons, car wagons are created for one purpose – to move cars over long distances in a sustainable way.
Image: A car wagon loaded with cars on its way to the next destination.
The maintenance that keeps the wheels turning
Maintenance and repair of car wagons involve several areas of expertise. At Mantena in Grorud, the team meticulously inspects everything from loading ramps and lifting equipment to tarpaulins and end doors. In railway terminology, a tarpaulin is a flexible metal wall that protects the cargo on transport wagons from weather and wind, while also being easy to open for loading and unloading.
– Maintenance is more varied than for regular freight wagons. The specialized equipment on board requires extra attention, explains Skafti Eliasson, delivery manager for car wagons at Mantena.
The year-round work carried out at Mantena in Grorud ensures that vehicles are transported safely and that each wagon functions as it should – every time.
Car transport by rail – a sustainable solution
A single car wagon can transport between 6 and 12 passenger cars, depending on whether it is possible to load on two levels. This depends on the size of the car and the dimensions of the wagon. When several wagons are coupled together, each wagon replaces approximately one truck. Between Drammen and Narvik, 4 wagons are used per train. This provides both economic and environmental benefits.
– The advantage of rail transport is the ability to move large volumes over long distances in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way, says André Joteig, Marketing Director at Axess Logistics.
Axess Logistics, a major player in car transport by rail in Norway, operates 62 car wagons that are maintained by Mantena. This replaces a significant amount of truck traffic on the roads and contributes to reduced traffic congestion and lower emissions.
– At Mantena, we are proud to contribute to this sustainable transport service. With the expertise we have gathered over several decades, we are ready to maintain car wagons for a greener future, concludes Skafti.
Fun fact: Did you know that Drammen Port handles around 5,000 new cars each week? Many of these are transported further by train, making car wagons important workhorses on the Norwegian railway.