The first China to Hamburg train, carrying computer freight set off from Xiantang on 19 September. It is running along the trans Siberian rail link and as it travels through China and Russia it is 1 000 metres long. When it reaches the border of Belarus it will have to split to comply with European rail guage clearances, but even so it should take about 10 fewer days to make the journey than travelling by ship. It is more expensive than sea freight, but industry experts say that computer equipment depreciates in value during the 28-35 transit time from China to Germany. The intention is to begin a regular weekly or bi-weekly service.