Medway, the leading rail freight company in Portugal, has taken another decisive step towards the construction of the largest rail freight terminal on the Iberian Peninsula in Vila Nova de Famalicão, in an investment estimated at 63 million euros.
Last week, the urbanisation contract was signed with the promoters for the Execution Unit of the Entrepreneurial Hosting Area of Lousado, Esmeriz and Cabeçudos, where the project will be located.
The president of Medway, Carlos Vasconcelos, said that despite the delays, "the process is really moving forward". "We are excited", he said, adding that construction of the terminal should begin in the second half of this year.
The new infrastructure could start operating at the beginning of 2023. With four 750-metre rail lines, the terminal will have an area of 220,000 square metres and capacity for 11,000 TEUs (each TEU is equivalent to around 6.1 metres, the length of a standard freight container).
"We all understand the importance of this project for Portugal. It is a fundamental investment for the economic development of the country and its implementation in Vila Nova de Famalicão, in the centre of a region that is a true national economic locomotive, is the guarantee for its profitability", said Mário Passos, Mayor of Vila Nova de Famalicão.
With the direct railway connection, through the Minho Line, as well as with the road accessibilities, through several main roads, this terminal will boost the local exporting industry, facilitating the logistics of its goods, thus contributing to the region's economy and employment.
"By getting closer to the place where the goods are received, we are shortening distances. With this work we will bring the Maritime Harbour to Famalicão", said Carlos Vasconcelos, in the presentation of the Execution Unit, explaining that "this terminal will allow a greater proximity, reduce distances and, of course, lower costs".