Carpatica Feroviar: Romania’s Rail Freight Strategy & 30% Market Goal

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Introduction

At the Railway Days 2025 conference in Bucharest, Daniel Apostolache, General Director of Carpatica Feroviar România S.A., detailed the company’s plans to secure approximately 30% of Romania’s rail freight market, succeeding CFR Marfă as the country’s new state-owned operator.

Operational Strategy

Carpatica Feroviar, according to Apostolache, was established “from passion, experience, and responsibility” with the goal of introducing discipline and performance to the transforming industry. The company’s objective is to become a modern, competitive, and sustainable operator, regaining the trust of logistics partners and boosting Romania’s economic competitiveness.

Fleet and Infrastructure

The company will commence operations with a fleet comprising 200 locomotives and 6,450 wagons. All rolling stock is registered in the National Vehicle Register and authorized for operation on the national rail network. Maintenance will be handled through seven locomotive depots located in Buzău, Simeria, Craiova, Oradea, Pașcani, and Dej, as well as several wagon repair facilities in Barboși, Ghighiu, Roșiori, Simeria, and Palas, providing comprehensive operational coverage.

Client Relations and Workforce Development

Apostolache emphasized that Carpatica will serve all operators and freight forwarders “equitably and transparently,” aiming to establish itself as both a national asset and a reliable commercial partner. A key aspect of the company’s strategy involves rebuilding workforce confidence and attracting new talent. Carpatica is developing a multidisciplinary team that will include engineers, IT specialists, and logistics professionals.

Guiding Principles and Future Outlook

Apostolache highlighted three guiding values for the new operator: safety and efficiency, respect for clients, the environment, and rail tradition, and innovation through technology. These principles are intended to ensure that every kilometer traveled “means earned trust and strengthened partnerships.” Apostolache concluded that Carpatica Feroviar represents a departure from the past, with the aim of restoring Romania’s freight transport to its place in European logistics networks.

Conclusion

Carpatica Feroviar România S.A. plans to capture around 30% of Romania’s rail freight market and will begin operations with 200 locomotives and 6,450 wagons. The company will serve all operators and freight forwarders “equitably and transparently”. Carpatica will focus on workforce development and aims to restore Romania’s freight transport in European logistics networks.

Company Summary

Carpatica Feroviar România S.A.: The new state-owned operator in Romania, succeeding CFR Marfă, aims to capture approximately 30% of the rail freight market.

CFR Marfă: The company that Carpatica Feroviar România S.A. is succeeding as the state-owned operator.

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