The 75006/5 train, the first Sino-Europe train in Shanxi, sets off from Zhongding Logistics Park in Taiyuan on Feb 15. [Photo/sxrb.com]

Shanxi's first Sino-Europe train, loaded with two self-developed large mining excavators, departed for Russia on Feb 15.

Setting off from Zhongding Logistics Park, the provincial logistics hub, the train will travel 6,000 kilometers to Lesosibirsk in Russia in early March, stopping at Manzhouli in Inner Mongolia autonomous region on Feb 20.

The loaded mining excavators produced by Taiyuan Heavy Machinery Group each weigh about 800 tons and are 13.54 meters high. They were split into parts and put in 20 containers which were carried on the train's 41 cars.

The WK-20 mining excavator produced by Taiyuan Heavy Machinery Group is to be transported to Russia. [Photo/sxrb.com]

"It's the first time that our company has exported such large excavators," said Ma Jun, an official of Taiyuan Heavy Machinery Group. "Each can excavate 20 cubic meters of ore in one bucket."

Compared with sea transportation, rail from Shanxi to Russia costs less in time and money – some 20 days shorter and saving 20 percent in transportation costs. Also, it will avoid damage to freight caused by seawater erosion and rough seas during shipping.

Launched under China's Belt and Road Initiative, the train adds a new and convenient way for Shanxi companies to promote their products abroad.

The two exported excavators will be used in the mines run by PJSC Polyus Gold Co, the largest gold producer in Russia.