Lineas and FS Logistix have announced the launch of a joint venture, Modalink, which will take over the management of the Antwerp Mainhub terminal, one of the key facilities of Europe’s second-largest port. The 200,000 sq. m. terminal is equipped with eight 700 m long railway tracks, three gantry cranes and six reloaders, which allows it to handle up to 200,000 containers per year. At the first stage, FS Logistix’s share in Modalink will be 30%, but in the future it may increase to 49%.
Modalink will not only be involved in operational activities in Antwerp, but will also organize intermodal feeder services between the terminal and the port’s berths. The partnership opens up new opportunities for the development of European routes, in particular the Antwerp-Milan line: Mercitalia Intermodal (part of FS Logistix) will be responsible for the transport, while Lineas will retain its role as a traction operator, ensuring service stability and additional capacity on both banks of the Rhine.
The cooperation will be an important step towards creating an integrated and sustainable logistics network in Europe. According to the companies’ executives, Modalink will strengthen Antwerp’s role as a multimodal hub, increase transport volumes along the north-south and east-west corridors, and ensure long-term sustainability and reduced emissions in rail freight transport.