📋 Tender Overview
OBB Rail Cargo Group (RCG) is optimising its TransFER (network connection with a fixed timetable) with a connection to Rotterdam, thus creating a direct circular connection between Austria, Germany and the Netherlands. Rotterdam is one of the largest seaports in the world and the largest deep-water port in Europe. It plays a crucial role in rail freight transport – the port is an important logistics hub in Europe and serves as a hub for intermodal freight handling between rail, ship and truck. And even beyond the European borders, Rotterdam is an important starting point to the whole world.
"With our new TransFER Linz–Duisburg–Rotterdam, we are creating another high-frequency direct connection to one of the world's largest seaports. With four weekly round trips and numerous transport options, from classic containers to swap bodies and soon also craneable trailers, our TransFER offers an optimal connection for maritime flows of goods to the economic regions of Western and Central Europe," says RCG CEO Clemens Först.
In addition, the renewed TransFER will enable transshipments within Rotterdam to all maritime and continental terminals in the industrial and port areas of Maasvlakte and Waalhaven, as well as to Antwerp and Zeebrugge.
Matthijs van Doorn, Vice President Commercial Port of Rotterdam Authority, is enthusiastic about the new TransFER: "As a port authority, we strive for sustainable, safe and efficient hinterland connections. Therefore, this new connection offers much more than just an additional service. In addition to more flexibility and better connectivity for our customers, it also means less traffic on the roads and thus fewer emissions and a lower risk of congestion and accidents."
Fixed timetable for reliable logistics planning
The TransFER starts in Linz and leads via Duisburg to Rotterdam – all according to a fixed timetable for reliable logistics planning. Stackable containers of all kinds between 20 and 45 feet can be transported. In the direction of Rotterdam, the use of swap bodies (WAB) is also possible. RCG is also actively working on an additional transport option for craneable trailers. In addition, the transport of dangerous goods (RID) is possible along the entire route.
TransFER – the connection
With around 60 TransFER connections, more than 1,500 TransFER combinations and numerous individual routes, the ÖBB Rail Cargo Group transports goods throughout the Eurasian continent. The transport units vary from entire wagonloads to intermodal transports and individual complete solutions. Depending on the point of departure or destination, additional forwarding services such as transshipment, warehouse logistics or customs service can be booked. RCG takes care of every detail – from the first to the last mile.
Rail Cargo Group: Freight transport of ÖBB
As Europe's leading rail logistics provider, we are shaping the industry. 365 days a year – 24 hours a day. In Europe and all the way to Asia. With our presence in 18 countries, we connect people, companies and markets – from the first to the last mile. Our 5,887 logistics professionals from 34 nations enable us to bring 448,000 trains safely to their destination every year, or around 1,230 trains a day. Every year, we transport over 88 million net tons worldwide through efficient end-to-end logistics solutions. A rail share of 27.5% (provisional value) of the total freight volume in Austria makes us the leader in Europe. The operational lead company of the Rail Cargo Group is Rail Cargo Austria AG.
Port of Rotterdam
The port of Rotterdam is a cornerstone of the Dutch and European transport and economic system. In addition to the significant economic and social value that the port has for the Rotterdam-Rijnmond region, the logistics sector and companies importing and exporting in the rest of the Netherlands and Europe also benefit from it in terms of employment, value added, income and business locations.
The core tasks of the Port of Rotterdam Authority are the sustainable development, management and operation of the port and the maintenance of smooth and safe ship handling. The aim of the Port of Rotterdam Authority is to strengthen the port's position as a logistics hub and future-proof industrial complex. The focus is not on size, but on quality. The Port of Rotterdam Authority assumes responsibility for the impact of the activities in the port on the climate and the immediate environment. The health and safety of current and future generations is an integral part of our decision-making, including when working with companies.
Facts about the Port of Rotterdam and the Port of Rotterdam Authority: approx. 1,300 employees, turnover approx. 825 million euros and gross investments of 257 million euros. Port area: 12,500 hectares of port area (land and water, of which about 6,000 hectares are industrial areas). Length of the port area: over 40 km. Cargo handling: about 467 million tons of goods per year. Shipping: approx. 30,000 seagoing vessels and approx. 100,000 inland waterway vessels per year. Employment: 193,000 jobs (direct and indirect). Added value: 30.6 billion euros, 3.2% of GDP. For the Netherlands as a whole, the port of Rotterdam means more than 500,000 jobs and a value added of over 60 billion euros.
