Riding the green IT train

Fujitsu-Siemens has started using the Trans-Eurasian Rail Bridge as an alternative to air freighting.

The first consignment of IT products was delivered in Hamburg today, with the journey saving a total of 2,200 tons in greenhouse gasses compared to flying.

Transporting barebones IT systems and LCD monitors from production in southern China to assembly plants and distribution in Germany, the company has established the 10,000 plus kilometer rail route as a viable, environmentally friendly and cost-effective transportation option. Prior to train freighting, the alternatives were to use air freight, which is a high speed, high-cost option, or to wait for cheaper sea freighting, which can take up to 28 days.

Fujitsu Siemens Computers CEO Bernd Bischoff said: “For us green IT is more than just colouring our company log green or planting a few trees – it is about ensuring that green IT is embedded in our business practices. The arrival of this train after its pioneering 10,000 km trip is a proud moment in our history.”