NETHERLANDS: Belgian freight operator Lineas has acquired Independent Rail Partner, saying the move is an important step in its strategy to partner with or acquire ‘dynamic’ private operators to build a ‘true European rail freight backbone’ to drive modal shift.
Zwijndrecht-based IRP was founded in 2011 and now has 35 employees and 12 locomotives. It provides first and last mile services in the port of Rotterdam, and offers extensive coverage of the Dutch market.
Lineas said the Rotterdam is of significant strategic importance in its Green Xpress Network, and combining IRP’s strong local expertise with Lineas’ European network would enable it to offer customers shorter transit times, additional operational capabilities and new connections from western European ports.
‘Companies are asking for easy door-to-door transport solutions with a good stretch of rail in them’, said Lineas CEO Geert Pauwels on April 30. ‘With our Green Xpress Network we have built a unique solution that really hits the mark. It’s never been easier to shift to rail.Now we want to scale it up throughout Europe with other dynamic private players who also want to have a lasting positive impact on the European supply chain, mobility and climate.’
