A freight train travels through Ereenhot rail port, Inner Mongolia autonomous region. [Photo/IC]

Ereenhot rail port in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region handled 13.14 million tons of freight in 2018, a year-on-year rise of 15.5 percent, according to a report by local authorities, on Jan 21.

The port is a vital hub for freight being sent to and from Mongolia, Russia and Europe, with 1,052 trains providing a service to Europe from the port last year –– an 80 percent year-on-year increase. At present, trains from Ereenhot serve 27 European destinations, including cities in Germany, Poland and Russia.

Last year saw 4.69 million tons of iron ore imported through the port, 1.26 million tons of timber, and 1.78 million tons of coal.

And 2018 witnessed a renewed drive to improve the efficiency of customs clearance at the port, benefiting the numerous freight companies that use the facility.