METRANS completes expansion of Polish intermodal terminal
METRANS, a subsidiary of Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA), has completed the expansion of its intermodal terminal in Gądki, near Poznań, Poland, increasing container handling capacity and upgrading the facility’s rail infrastructure.
The project includes new remote-controlled gantry cranes, additional and extended railway tracks, expanded container storage areas and upgraded terminal equipment. Following the investment, the terminal’s annual handling capacity has increased by almost 80% to approximately 590,000 TEU.
Maximum container storage capacity has also risen from 8,850 TEU to 11,800 TEU, strengthening the facility’s role within METRANS’ European intermodal network.
Rail infrastructure and handling capacity upgraded
The expansion introduces two remote-controlled railway gantry cranes, each with a span of 80 metres, to support container transfers between rail and road transport.
The project also included the construction of a new crane runway, power supply infrastructure and a remote-control station. Two additional railway tracks were installed, while the terminal’s three existing tracks were extended to more than 750 metres.
According to HHLA, the longer tracks enable the terminal to accommodate the longest freight trains, improving its ability to handle rail services within the European intermodal network.
Approximately 53,000 square metres of new paved operational space have been developed to accommodate expanded storage, transhipment and transport activities.
The terminal has also introduced camera-based gate systems that automatically identify containers entering the facility and record their condition upon arrival by rail or road.
Additional equipment includes a rail weighbridge for monitoring axle loads and a container weighing system.
Investment strengthens connections with European ports
The Gądki terminal serves as an inland logistics hub connecting Poland with major European economic centres through METRANS’ rail network.
Its operations include container transhipment and temporary storage, supporting the movement of freight between seaports and inland destinations.
“Gądki demonstrates how modern inland terminals and a strong rail network can improve the connection between seaports and customers across Central Europe,” said Peter Kiss, CEO of the METRANS Group.
Kiss said investments in terminal capacity, technology and rail infrastructure would support intermodal transport and cargo movements between ports and their hinterland.
The expansion project received co-financing through Poland’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (KPO), although the announcement does not specify the total investment or the amount of public funding.
METRANS operates an intermodal network extending from the North Sea and Baltic Sea to the Adriatic and Black Sea, serving terminals across 15 European countries.
According to HHLA, the company transported a total of 1.6 million TEU in 2025.
The completed investment increases the Gądki terminal’s capacity to handle container flows within this network, while expanding the infrastructure available for rail-based freight operations in Poland.
