Modalink, a joint venture to manage Antwerp Mainhub terminal

Lineas, Europe’s largest private rail freight undertaking, and FS Logistix, the European multimodal system operator of the FS Italiane Group operating in 22 countries, are pleased to announce Modalink: a joint venture that is aimed at enhancing efficiency and connectivity for rail freight services in the Antwerp Mainhub towards key European routes.

 

The Antwerp Mainhub Terminal is one of the main terminals in Antwerp, part of the second largest port in Europe in terms of TEU handled. It has a surface of 200.000 sqm, consists of 8 tracks of 700 meters long and operates 3 gantry cranes and 6 straddle carriers. It can handle up to 200.000 containers per year.

 

Modalink, a joint venture between Lineas (70%) and FS Logistix (30%), represents a strategic collaboration that brings together the strengths of both companies. The interest of FS Logistix may evolve to 49% over time.

 

Modalink will be responsible for managing the Antwerp Mainhub terminal as well as the feeder intermodal services from and to the different quais in the Port of Antwerp. An agreement for the development of global logistics and to play a crucial role on the international scene.

 

In addition to the launch of Modalink, Lineas and FS Logistix are cooperating to enhance services on the Antwerp-Milan line. FS Logistix, through its company Mercitalia Intermodal, ​ will operate and provide the intermodal service on the Antwerp-Milan route; Lineas will continue to be the traction provider, ensuring a seamless transition and business continuity for customers, and will keep producing rail capacity on both sides of the Rhine (via Germany and France) to provide excellent connectivity.

 

The experience of both companies will help achieving the highest standards of service delivery during and after the transition period. The partnership is aimed at ensures high-quality intermodal solutions, enhancing operational efficiency, connectivity, and the long-term sustainability of rail freight logistics across key European corridors.

 

"The establishment of Modalink marks a significant milestone in our journey towards becoming a leading player in European logistics. This agreement is part of our Industrial Plan, which includes the enhancement of existing terminals and the creation of new, technologically advanced, and environmentally friendly hubs. This will allow us to increase the volume of goods transported by rail, thanks to increasingly efficient connections between our ports and terminals to the national network and European rail corridors, consolidating the integration of sea-rail-road transport systems," said Sabrina De Filippis, CEO of FS Logistix.

 

The project is aligned with the FS Logistix 2025-2029 Industrial Plan pillar concerning Terminals: it grants access to Northern European ports, the most important logistics market in Europe. The purchase of 30% of Antwerp Mainhub will enable the development of intermodal services on the north-south route (e.g., Belgium - Italy) and, consequently, on the east-west route (e.g., France - Romania/Poland). This initiative will strengthen FS Logistix's presence in the Belgian market, particularly in intermodal services, and will help overcome the saturation of future terminal capacity in northern Italy.

 

The operation is carried out in relation to the growth of the railway market, estimated at approximately +2% per year between '23 and '29. The European intermodal market is a key investment opportunity, and the Belgian market is at the heart of the strategic dynamics of European and global transport.

 

“With the launch of Modalink, we’re taking a step towards a more integrated and sustainable European logistics network contributing to the modal shift,” said Erik van Ockenburg, CEO of Lineas. “This collaboration not only reinforces Antwerp’s role as a critical multimodal gateway but also allows us to up volumes, streamline last-mile operations and strengthen north-south rail corridors. By joining forces with FS Logistix, we’re laying the groundwork for scalable, future-ready terminal solutions that meet the growing demand for efficient, low-emission freight transport.”

 

In recent years Lineas has implemented a large transformation plan. The company has completely realigned its offering to propose highly reliable operations and services. This success is the result of many internal improvements, including a renewed focus on its core business of being a Railway Undertaking. In this context, Lineas has been looking for collaborations, further delivering improved quality. This transaction is the final step of Lineas to refocus on traction services and stop the Intermodal Operator activity.