In recent months, CER Cargo Group has been actively implementing a strategy to develop international rail transport services and expand its geographic footprint. The company has launched its first train on Romania’s railway network, thereby officially incorporating the country into its route network. Wilhelm Patzner, CEO of CER Cargo Group, emphasized that the company does not limit itself to plans and presentations but consistently executes a strategy focused on efficient cross-border transport across Europe.
In April, the operator also inaugurated a new service for an intermodal client from Austria, running along the route from Graz to Batajnica, Serbia. Currently, CER utilizes Siemens Vectron locomotives and is already active in the Croatian and Serbian markets – regions where it previously acquired a small railway company to enable it to conduct transport operations independently. The next phase of expansion involves entering the Bulgarian market by the end of the year – either through the establishment of a new subsidiary or the acquisition of an existing carrier – a move that will complete the formation of a comprehensive network connecting Germany, Poland, and Turkey. Another key avenue for growth remains the Poland – Germany corridor, where the company already conducts transport operations entirely using its own resources – handling everything from heavy grain trains to expedited intermodal trains – as reported by Piotr Jančovič, Head of CER Poland.
As part of its efforts to further solidify its position in Germany, CER Cargo Group is currently integrating the former Wiener Lokalbahnen Cargo, which now operates under the CER Cargo Traction brand. Concurrently, the company is optimizing its organizational structure by discontinuing unprofitable operations, including its in-house rolling stock maintenance and shunting services in Austria. Despite having to make difficult decisions, CER notes a high level of customer satisfaction on key maritime routes connecting Hamburg and Bremerhaven with Austria; furthermore, the company plans to expand its service portfolio to include both ad-hoc and traditional freight transport solutions. Additionally, the company is developing routes via the Port of Rijeka and is preparing to take delivery of two new Siemens Vectron A17 locomotives in December 2026, which will be certified for operation within Serbia.