HHLA TK Estonia, Graanul Invest and Operail shift pellet transport from road to rail

Following a successful trial period in spring, Graanul Invest, Operail and HHLA TK Estonia have launched regular pellet shipments via Võru railway station to the Port of Muuga. This marks an important step in the development of multimodal freight transport, with goods now moving from production facilities to the port by rail, significantly reducing heavy goods vehicle traffic on Estonian roads.

During the first little over a month of regular operations, 15 train consignments have transported more than 550 open-top containers of wood pellets from Southern Estonia to the Port of Muuga.

Riia Sillave, CEO of HHLA TK Estonia, said the project is an excellent example for the entire Estonian logistics sector, demonstrating how domestic freight flows can be regularly shifted from road to rail, reducing both the number of trucks on the roads and the transport sector’s substantial environmental impact.

“We are particularly pleased that cooperation between several parties around a shared goal has been successfully launched. A multimodal transport chain connecting the producer, carrier, railway and vessel can support the competitiveness of Estonian exporters and provide an alternative to road transport. The Muuga terminal is a gateway to the world for Estonian companies, and we want an increasing share of goods to reach the port by rail,” Sillave said.

According to Jaano Haidla, Member of the Management Board of Graanul Invest, the launch of regular pellet transport marks an important change in the company’s logistics chain.

“The wood pellets produced at our plants are now transported to the port, and onwards by sea to export markets, in a way that places less pressure on road traffic,” said Jaano Haidla. “Using rail helps make the supply chain more efficient while also creating opportunities for other exporting companies in Southern Estonia that require reliable connections to international markets.”

Andres Uusoja, Chairman of the Management Board of Operail, said the launch of a regular freight service between Võru and Muuga demonstrates that domestic rail freight in Estonia has clear potential.

“This allows us to increase domestic rail freight volumes in Estonia and demonstrate to other manufacturers and logistics companies that shifting goods from road to rail is a practical and viable solution. Each train means hundreds fewer truck journeys on Estonia’s main roads, including the Tallinn–Tartu highway,” Uusoja added.

To date, more than 550 containers have been transported by rail, meaning approximately the same number of heavy truck journeys have been removed from one of Estonia’s main transport corridors, the Tallinn–Tartu–Võru–Luhamaa highway. On average, each train replaces 36 truck journeys, eliminating more than 500-kilometre round trips between Võru and Muuga and back.

Key facts about the Võru–Muuga freight service

• Trial period in May, with regular services launched in August 2026
• 15 train consignments have operated since summer
• One train replaces an average of 36 truck journeys
• Services operate 3-4 times per week
• Nearly 12,800 tonnes of wood pellets have been transported

HHLA TK Estonia is part of Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA), one of Europe’s leading logistics groups. HHLA operates terminals in Hamburg, Odesa, Trieste and Muuga, complemented by hinterland connections and intermodal logistics hubs across Central and Eastern Europe.