ÖBB Rail Cargo Group launches new TransFER freight routes in Europe

ÖBB Rail Cargo Group (RCG) is adapting its intermodal transport offering to Romania by modifying and expanding the freight rail connections operated within its European network, in parallel with the launch of new TransFER services between Austria, Germany, and the Netherlands.

In this context, the company is announcing new routes and increased frequencies to the Curtici terminal, along with the expansion of its fixed-schedule freight train network in Western Europe.

Romania: enhanced connections to the Railport Arad terminal in Curtici via Liège and Duisburg

To better meet customer demand, ÖBB Rail Cargo Group is modifying its intermodal services to Romania. The former Genk–Curtici connection is being replaced by TransFER Liège–Curtici, which currently operates seven round trips per week from Liège.

Located in the center of the Benelux region, Liège offers efficient connections to the North Sea ports of Rotterdam, Antwerp, and Zeebrugge, and functions as an important hub between seaports, industrial centers, and European inland markets.

At the same time, RCG is also introducing TransFER Duisburg–Curtici, dedicated to continental flows, with three return trips per week. This strengthens rail freight traffic to Curtici through two major logistics hubs in Western Europe: Liège and Duisburg.

TransFER connections with fixed schedules, based on the passenger transport model

TransFER services are freight trains operated on the basis of fixed schedules and pre-determined stops, similar to passenger transport. Customers can book both conventional wagons and intermodal units such as containers or swap bodies.

ÖBB Rail Cargo Group currently operates over 60 TransFER connections, linking important economic centers in Europe and as far as Asia. The offer is complemented by first and last mile services, transshipment, storage, and customs formalities.

“The continuous development of our TransFER connections shows how consistently we align our services with customer needs. With direct and reliable connections, we are improving access to key logistics hubs and creating attractive conditions for the transfer of freight transport to rail,” said Christoph Grasl, Chief Commercial Officer of ÖBB Rail Cargo Group.

New connections in Western Europe

In addition to routes to Romania, RCG is launching TransFER Duisburg–Rotterdam, which creates a direct link between the Rheinkamp logistics hub near Duisburg and the Port of Rotterdam. The service will initially operate three round trips per week and serve the Waalhaven, Europoort, Botlek, Pernis, and Maasvlakte terminals.

The company is also introducing TransFER Salzburg–Offenbach, a non-stop connection between Austria and Germany, linking the Salzburg rail hub with Offenbach, an important logistics and industrial center in the Rhine–Main region, near Frankfurt. The service will operate two round trips per week.

Source: https://www.railwaypro.com/wp/obb-rail-cargo-group-launches-new-transfer-freight-routes-in-europe/