Rail motorway operator VIIA, through its subsidiary Lorry Rail, has launched a new intermodal service between Bettembourg (LU) and Mouguerre (FR). The route began operation on 15 October 2025 with the first train arrival the following day, following the earlier opening of the Mouguerre terminal in May. A formal inauguration is scheduled for December.
The new line offers two weekly round trips until 17 November, after which the frequency will increase to four per week. Trains on the route run via Narbonne and can accommodate 24 horizontally loaded semi-trailers using Modalohr wagons and up to 22 containers per train.
The service is positioned as a new multimodal corridor linking south-western France, Spain, and Portugal with northern and eastern Europe, including the Benelux region, Germany, and Scandinavia.
Operations involve multiple partners: Brittany Ferries (terminal infrastructure), Captrain France (traction), CFL Terminals (handling), Lohr (wagon technology), and Lorry Rail (train operation), a joint venture between VIIA and CFL. Aligned with carbon reduction goals, each transported semi-trailer is estimated to cut CO₂ emissions by 1,424 kg compared to road haulage.
