ÖBB Rail Cargo Group expands European TransFER freight network
ÖBB Rail Cargo Group is expanding its European freight network with new TransFER connections linking Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, and Romania, strengthening fixed-timetable rail services for wagonload and intermodal transport.
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ÖBB Rail Cargo Group (RCG) has announced the launch of two new TransFER connections for single wagonloads and containers, alongside adjustments to its intermodal routes toward Romania. The expansion enhances connectivity between key logistics hubs in Western, Central, and South-Eastern Europe and is designed to make rail freight a more attractive and flexible alternative to road transport.
Fixed-timetable freight services across Europe
TransFER connections operate on fixed timetables with predefined stops, similar to passenger train services. Customers can book conventional freight wagons or intermodal units such as containers and swap bodies, benefiting from predictable schedules and reliable transit times. RCG currently operates more than 60 TransFER connections linking major economic centres across Europe and extending into Asia, supported by first- and last-mile services, transshipment, warehousing, and customs clearance.
According to Christoph Grasl, Chief Commercial Officer of ÖBB Rail Cargo Group, the network expansion reflects a consistent focus on customer needs. New direct connections improve access to major logistics hubs and create favourable conditions for shifting freight transport to rail.
New Duisburg–Rotterdam connection
The newly introduced TransFER Duisburg–Rotterdam initially operates three round trips per week. It connects the logistics hub Rheinkamp near Duisburg with the Port of Rotterdam, serving terminals in Waalhaven, Europoort, Botlek, Pernis, and Maasvlakte. As one of Europe’s most important seaports, Rotterdam provides access to global maritime routes, while Duisburg enables onward rail connections to Western and Northern Europe as well as Central and South-Eastern Europe.
New Salzburg–Offenbach route
RCG is also launching a non-stop TransFER Salzburg–Offenbach connection, operating twice weekly. The service links Salzburg, a central rail hub in Austria, directly with Offenbach, a major logistics and industrial location in Germany’s Rhine-Main region near Frankfurt am Main. The route offers a high-performance, reliable rail option for cross-border freight between Austria and Germany.
Optimised intermodal routes to Romania
To better reflect customer demand, ÖBB Rail Cargo Group is adjusting its intermodal services to Romania. The former Genk–Curtici TransFER has been reconfigured as TransFER Liège–Curtici, now operating seven weekly round trips from Liège. Located in the heart of the Benelux region, Liège provides strong links to the North Sea ports of Rotterdam, Antwerp, and Zeebrugge and functions as a key hub between seaports, industrial centres, and inland markets.
In parallel, RCG is introducing a new TransFER Duisburg–Curtici service for continental flows, with three weekly round trips. Traffic to Curtici will now be consolidated via both Liège and Duisburg, increasing flexibility and capacity for customers serving South-Eastern Europe.
Strengthening rail freight across the continent
As the freight transport division of ÖBB, Rail Cargo Group operates across Europe and into Asia, with a presence in 18 countries and its own traction in 14. By expanding its TransFER network, RCG continues to enhance cross-border rail freight connectivity, supporting more efficient, reliable, and sustainable logistics solutions for European industry.
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