The ÖBB Rail Cargo Group has, according to its own statements, received a unified safety certificate from the European Union Agency for Railways for the Netherlands, Belgium and the German border region. With this approval, the company meets all statutory and operational safety requirements for railway operations in these countries. The certificate permits the independent use of its own locomotives and forms the basis for the launch of independent rail operations in Belgium.
First freight train reaches the Port of Zeebrugge
Based on the new authorization, for the first time a freight train
of ÖBB Rail Cargo Group was operating in Belgium in its own traction. According to the company, the train started on 14 October 2025 in Roosendaal, Netherlands, and reached the Port of Zeebrugge at noon the same day. This officially integrates Belgium into the company's production network.
Expansion of the network in the Benelux region
With the safety certificate now obtained for Belgium, ÖBB Rail Cargo Group continues its international development. Since 2024 the company has been active in the Netherlands with its own carrier company. According to the company, in the future
new TransFER connections and additional sustainable transport solutions are to be provided in the Benelux region as well. The aim is to offer cross-border transport solutions from a single source.
Clemens Först, executive board member of ÖBB Rail Cargo Group, is pleased with the step toward internationalization: “With the start of our operations in Belgium, we strengthen our position as a leading European rail logistics provider and, for the first time, create an in-house traction connection to the ports of Zeebrugge and Antwerp. This offers our customers even more services from a single
source and advances the sustainable interconnection of Europe.”
Local recruitment planned in Belgium
For operation in Belgium, the ÖBB Rail Cargo Group relies, according to its own statements, on skilled workers in the Benelux region. In particular, train drivers with knowledge of French, Dutch and German are sought, as well as a team leader for the Antwerp operation site.
The company operates in 18 countries, 13 of which have its own locomotives. ÖBB Rail Cargo Group operates around 1,150 trains daily and transports about 79.9 million net tonnes of goods per year. (av)
