Hupac confirms tests in La Llagosta with a fully loaded train from Antwerp
Translated from Spanish
19.12.2025 | The goal is to test the processes and prepare the terminal for a gradual increase in activity in the coming months.
The Swiss rail company Hupac and the Spanish company TPNova, operators of the La Llagosta intermodal terminal (Barcelona), have confirmed that a fully loaded test train will arrive from Antwerp (Belgium) in early January to test and optimize operational and administrative processes, validate interfaces with rail companies and customers, and prepare the Catalan terminal for a gradual increase in activity in the coming months. Containers and semi-trailers will be unloaded and new units loaded before the train returns to Antwerp.
The first batch of gantry cranes for the terminal's operations was installed this summer.
“The testing phase represents an important step towards bringing this project closer to operational maturity. Our goal now is to validate the processes and build a reliable foundation for future intermodal services that will connect Spain with the European network,” explains Raúl Maestro, CEO of TPNova Rail & Logistics Services. The two companies formed a joint venture, Combiconnect Barcelona , and both partners have jointly invested around €20 million in the infrastructure development.
The terminal is being developed in stages and, once completed, will be equipped with gantry cranes (the first batch of which was installed this summer ), OCR portals, and advanced IT systems. In the initial phase, handling will be carried out using reach stackers, while the installation of gantry cranes is planned for the final outfitting phase. The terminal covers an area of 105,400 square meters and is designed to offer rail-to-road transshipment services and complementary services to active intermodal operators.
The infrastructure includes four dual-gauge transshipment tracks, each approximately 700 meters long, allowing for the handling of both standard-gauge (UIC) and Iberian-gauge trains. The terminal design includes parking for semi-trailers, unit weighing facilities, electrical connections for refrigerated containers, steam heating, empty container storage, customs services, and options for repairing containers and refrigerated units. Cross-docking and last-mile delivery services are also part of the planned service portfolio.