Lineas & Railpool Extend Partnership, Securing Electric Locomotive Fleet

Lineas, Europe’s largest private rail freight operator, has secured a critical six-year extension to its partnership with locomotive supplier Railpool, ensuring operational continuity and enhanced flexibility for its European market activities. This renewed agreement will see Lineas continue to deploy 33 electric locomotives from Railpool’s fleet, reinforcing its commitment to providing reliable and sustainable rail solutions amidst a transforming European logistics landscape.

Strategic Impact of Extended Partnership

The extended collaboration between Lineas and Railpool is strategically designed to address the rapidly evolving demands of the logistics sector. In an era characterized by increasing customer expectations for flexibility, unwavering reliability, and swift technological adaptation, this renewed agreement empowers Lineas to maintain a high level of service. Both companies highlighted that this partnership extension allows Lineas to proactively respond to the dynamic shifts within the European transport and logistics industry, which is currently navigating significant cost pressures, a growing need for bespoke services, and the imperative transition towards sustainable operational models.

Operational Continuity and Future-Proofing

Under the terms of the new contract, Lineas will continue its operations utilizing the existing fleet of 33 electric locomotives. Crucially, the agreement includes provisions for future enhancements, granting Lineas the option to access additional locomotive models or entirely new types of locomotives currently under development. This forward-looking clause ensures that Lineas can remain at the forefront of technological advancements in rail freight, adapting its fleet to meet future operational needs and sustainability targets. Alban François, COO of Lineas, emphasized the clarity of their mission to deliver superior rail solutions, stating, “Extending our partnership with Railpool gives us the flexibility we need to respond to market demands.”

Driving Sustainable Logistics in Europe

Lineas consistently underscores the significant environmental advantage of rail transport, noting that its operational solutions deliver a considerably lower environmental impact per ton-kilometer compared to road haulage. This directly contributes to a reduced carbon footprint across complex logistics chains. With road transport remaining a primary contributor to CO₂ emissions in Europe, the strategic objective of increasing rail’s modal share is a cornerstone of sustainable mobility policies. The electric locomotives operated by Lineas play a pivotal role in this transition, offering a substantially more efficient and environmentally sound method for freight movement than equivalent truck journeys.