Belgium’s sovereign wealth fund SFPIM is providing rail operator Lineas with €61 million to help it weather the economic downturn in early 2025. The decision comes amid a general decline in volumes in the steel, chemical and automotive sectors in Europe. The funding will enable Lineas to remain resilient, continue to serve key industries and play an important role in the decarbonization of freight transport.
The company, which employs more than 1,500 people, has undergone a profound transformation of its business model in recent years. EBIT losses have fallen from €82 million in 2022 to €13.6 million in 2024. Under the leadership of new CEO Eric van Ockenburg, Lineas has launched a strategic roadmap aimed at achieving operating profit by 2026. The company is already showing commercial growth, particularly in the chemicals and intermodal segments.
State support will ensure stability of operations and enable the company to attract private investors for further development. The Belgian authorities are also ready to consider additional steps to support Lineas’ strategic initiatives.