DB Schenker aims to have a regular rail service in place between China and Europe in the second quarter of 2011, according to Asia-Pacific CEO Steve Dearnley. Transit time to the German port city of Hamburg will be about 21 days, reported Cargonews Asia, and the company expects to move about 100 TEU per train.

“That's not much compared with large container vessels. It's not something meant to compete with ocean transportation. It’s another offering,” Mr Dearnley said.

In early December Schenker’s parent Deutsche Bahn and the Chinese Ministry of Railways released a joint declaration affirming their commitment to strengthen rail freight transport and to develop new links between Asia and Europe through closer cooperation.

According to Mr Dearnley, DB Schenker had been poised to launch the rail service much earlier, but the global economic crisis shifted priorities and the project was shelved.