From 1 January 2025, Hupac will strengthen its connections between Belgium and Italy and between Milan and Padua, while inaugurating a new terminal in Cologne, Germany. The enhancements are part of Hupac's ongoing expansion of its Shuttle Net network, aimed at boosting intermodal transport across Europe. The new connections and timetables are designed to deliver greater efficiency, sustainability, and flexibility, with Italy benefiting significantly from these developments.
One of the most notable additions is a new route linking Ghent, Belgium, with Piadena in the province of Cremona, Italy. The service will start with three weekly rotations. Departures from Ghent are scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 16:45, arriving in Piadena at 09:00 the following day. In the reverse direction, trains will depart from Piadena on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 18:00, arriving in Ghent at 06:30 the next morning.
Another key enhancement is the connection between Zeebrugge and Piacenza, which will see its weekly rotations increase from three to four. Trains will depart from Zeebrugge from Monday to Friday at 18:00, arriving in Piacenza at 15:00 the next day. Departures from Piacenza are planned for Tuesday to Friday at 19:00, with arrivals in Zeebrugge by 21:00 on the same day. Additionally, starting 7 January 2025, Piacenza terminal’s closing time will be extended to 20:00 for added operational convenience.
Within Italy, Hupac will increase the frequency of its shuttle service between Busto Arsizio and Padua, raising the rotations from four to six per week. Trains will leave Busto Arsizio daily at 05:15, reaching Padua by 06:00. Return journeys from Padua are scheduled at 19:30, with arrival in Busto Arsizio at 21:00.
On an international scale, Hupac’s network will expand further with the opening of the new Köln Nord terminal in Germany, which will replace the existing Cologne terminal. This move aims to improve the stability of gateway connections to Southern Europe. The route between Malmö and Köln Nord will operate with four weekly rotations. Departures from Malmö are set for Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 20:00, reaching Köln Nord by 23:30 the same day. Return services from Köln Nord will depart on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 21:00, arriving in Malmö by 08:00 the following morning.
