A refrigerated container train carrying more than 1,000 tons of garlic leaves Jining in East China's Shandong province for Brazil. [Photo/jnnews.tv]

Jining in East China's Shandong province launched its first refrigerated container train, which started from Jining West Railway Station and headed for Brazil, on June 29.

The train is a result of China Railway Jinan Group and Maersk's desire to ship Jining's garlic products to Brazil. It has 35 boxcars and is capable of loading more than 1,000 tons of garlic. The Jining-Brazil freight train service is scheduled to make one trip per week, with another train expected to be added starting from August.

Maersk had been cooperating with China Railway Jinan Group to explore how to offer a one-stop service by integrating rail-sea intermodal transportation, said Ye Yinglong, a sales manager at Maersk. The train service ensures the efficient and safe shipment of garlic, as well as reduces carbon emissions by a maximum of 9.78 tons for each train, according to Ye.

China Railway Jinan Group has made dedicated efforts to ensure the smooth progress of the program. A special work team was set up to conduct research and provide convenient services, said Li Nan, director of Jining West Railway Station.