A festive ceremony was held this week (Monday, March 24, 3) to mark the departure of the first container train from the Gulf Port, with the participation of representatives of Israel Railways, ZIM Company, and the Gulf Port.
A new era of transportation
The first train carried 17 containers from the ZIM company, opening a new era of green, efficient and safe transportation of cargo from the port to the north and center of the country - without the need to use trucks.
Since the Gulf Port began operating in 2021, there has been no direct connection to the national rail network. Now, after extensive infrastructure work carried out by Israel Railways and the Israel Ports Company (IPC), a new 5-kilometer railway has been completed, connecting the port to the national network and enabling regular rail movement of cargo to and from the port.
The track was established as part of a collaboration between Israel Railways, the Israel Ports Company, and the SIPG company that operates the port, and a modern train terminal was also established, including 4 tracks with a total length of 3 km.
Reducing congestion on the roads
The terminal allows for the simultaneous loading and unloading of up to 3 trains at the same time – a move that is expected to significantly improve the rate of cargo transportation and reduce the burden on land transportation infrastructure. The container train is expected to reduce the number of trucks on the roads, reduce pollutant emissions and improve services for the entire economy.
Gulf Port CEO Mihao Chiang said at the ceremony:
"This is an exciting and important moment for the Gulf Port and its customers. Connecting the port to the national railway is a strategic step that will strengthen the national supply chain, reduce road congestion and establish the Gulf Port as a leading logistics center in Israel and the Mediterranean. We are proud to be partners in this vision and continue to strengthen the Israeli economy and enable efficiency, green solutions and innovation."
Chairman of the Board of Directors of Israel Railways, Attorney Moshe Shimoni:
"This is another milestone towards a new and more efficient era of transporting goods through the implementation of the policy of Minister of Transportation Miri Regev and the vision of the Israel Railways Board of Directors, as part of the implementation of the work plan."
"Israel Railways has set itself the goal of improving the fabric of life in the country, both in terms of passenger service through extensive investment in new rail development projects, and in terms of upgrading freight train traffic, the impact of which will be felt over time in all areas of life."
Shiko Zena, CEO of Israel Railways:
"Operating the railway at the Gulf Port is made possible thanks to a strategic national plan to connect the Mediterranean ports to the national rail network. The connection will lead to a dramatic improvement in the fabric of life in the country, reducing congestion on the roads and increasing their safety, and transporting goods in a more efficient and environmentally friendly manner. I would like to thank all those involved so that we can observe the fruits that this vital plan yields."
The operation of the new extension to the Gulf Port marks the completion of the connection of all five Mediterranean ports via extensions to the national railway network, and constitutes a significant part of the development plan for cargo transportation on Israel Railways.
Since one train is equivalent to approximately 60-70 trucks, transporting cargo by train reduces road congestion, thus reducing traffic accidents, and contributes to reducing emissions and air pollution.
The entire country and its face in one ugly "festive" image.
They celebrate that there is a possibility of making billions, and the train behind them is tired, blurry, and stinking, just like the hidden truth.
All Mediterranean ports are connected by train, how wonderful.
Now let's look at the residents and their connection to the train:
Is Tiberias connected to the train?
Is Safed connected to the train?
Are Ein Bokek and the Dead Sea connected by train?
Is Ariel connected to the train?
Is Katzrin connected to the train?
Ma'ale Adumim connects to the train?
Is Beit Shemesh connected to the train?
So what is Israel Railways so happy about? A national failure.
The Chinese probably sent this photo so that people in China would see an ancient locomotive that is known for its air pollution.
Now the only thing left for the Hifaites to do is to invest in the track or move it through a new channel in the Carmel Tunnel.
This is the end of Haifa separating from the sea.
Apparently, they banned animals from entering the ceremony… A logical explanation for Miri Rekav’s absence from the photoshoot??? Or maybe there was a vote in the Knesset and we need to lick it…
Zehava – the one who rejects in a way that rejects.
Not everything that is customary in your family is also customary in other places.
A strategic move that will improve the national supply chain – at the private Chinese port that exists to 'compete' with the Port of Haifa, with the well-known CEO Mihao Qiang.