Unusual cargo at Świnoujście ferry terminal: steel rails headed for Sweden

A unique transshipment operation took place at the Świnoujście ferry terminal. Wagons loaded with railway rails were transported aboard the Polonia ferry, operated by Unity Line, bound for Sweden. The cargo originated from Dąbrowa Górnicza and consisted of rails measuring 60 and 120 meters in length, with the longest train formation reaching an impressive 140 meters.

Kamil Kusier executive editor 06.03.2025, 14:51 Reading time: 2 min

Rail cars loaded with long steel rails on tracks under a blue overpass at a ferry terminal — fot. Port Szczecin-Świnoujście

In brief

Wagons carrying railway rails 60 and 120 metres long were loaded onto the ferry Polonia of the shipowner Unity Line at the Świnoujście Ferry Terminal. The cargo came from Dąbrowa Górnicza and is bound for Sweden, and the longest train set measured 140 metres. The operation was the first undertaking of this kind in Świnoujście and required special railway platforms as well as coordination between the terminal and the shipowner. The average cost of one metre of rail ranges from 3,000 to 5,000 zlotys.

Transporting rails of this kind required meticulous planning and specialized logistics solutions. Due to the cargo's length, dedicated railway platforms were necessary, along with precise coordination between the terminal and the shipping operator.

This was the first operation of its kind in Świnoujście, demonstrating the port’s capabilities in handling non-standard cargo. The transshipment proceeded smoothly, marking a significant milestone for future similar projects. Thanks to its technical infrastructure and strategic location, the port strengthens its position as a key transport hub in the Baltic region, capable of managing complex rail-ferry logistics.

Costs of railway rail transport

The price of railway rails depends on their length, steel grade, and manufacturer. On average, one meter of rail costs between 3,000 and 5,000 PLN, meaning that the transported rails could be worth several million PLN. Additionally, transport costs vary based on the route, selected mode of transport, and potential port fees.

Rail transport combined with ferry shipping is an efficient and increasingly popular method of delivering such cargo to Scandinavian markets.

Steel prices on the market

Global steel prices fluctuate significantly due to economic conditions, supply and demand, and geopolitical factors. In recent months, futures contracts for reinforcing steel have hovered around 1,800 PLN per ton, while at peak levels—such as in 2021—they reached up to 3,380 PLN per ton.

In Poland, steel prices also vary. In May 2024, cold-rolled sheet steel (DC01) ranged from 3,852 to 3,983 PLN per ton, while ribbed bars (BST 500) were priced between 2,754 and 2,919 PLN per ton.

Monitoring steel prices is crucial for companies involved in the production and transportation of this material, as it directly impacts the costs of infrastructure investments.

Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier