Antwerp, 2 September 2025
FS Logistix - an FS Group company in charge of multimodal systems - has joined Modalink’s share capital. The NewCo, in joint venture with Lineas - the largest private rail freight operator in Europe - manages the Antwerp Mainhub rail terminal in Antwerp, which handles 1.5 million tonnes of freight per year and operates 2,500 trains.
This strategic initiative aims to improve the efficiency and connectivity of rail freight services between Belgium and Italy, and on other key European routes. The transaction reflects the current growth of the railway market, estimated at +2% per year between 2023 and 2029. The agreement will foster the develop global logistics and play a crucial role on the international stage.
The announcement was made today by Sabrina De Filippis, CEO of FS Logistix, and Erik van Ockenburg, CEO of Lineas.
‘The establishment of Modalink is an important step on our way to becoming a key player in European logistics. This agreement is part of our Industrial Plan, which envisages the upgrading of existing terminals and the creation of new technologically advanced and environmentally sustainable hubs. This will help us to increase freight volumes transported by rail, thanks to increasingly efficient connections between our ports and terminals with the national network and the European rail corridors, consolidating the integration of sea-rail-road transport systems’ - said Sabrina De Filippis, CEO of FS Logistix.
‘With the launch of Modalink, we are taking a bold step towards a more integrated and sustainable European logistics network’ - said Erik van Ockenburg, CEO of Lineas. ‘This cooperation strengthens Antwerp's role as a strategic multimodal hub, and allows us to optimise last-mile operations and enhance the north-south rail corridors. By joining forces with FS Logistix, we are laying the foundation for modular, ready-made terminal solutions that meet the growing demand for efficient and low-emission freight transport.’
FS Logistix entered the NewCo with a 30% shareholding, with an evolutionary option plan to increase it to 49%. Modalink will operate the Antwerp Mainhub terminal and the last mile intermodal service between the Port of Antwerp and the surrounding areas. As part of the agreement, the commercial lines currently operated by Lineas, connecting Belgium with Italy (Antwerp-Milan), will be transferred to FS Logistix. This transfer also entails a traction contract with Lineas.
The Antwerp Mainhub terminal is one of the largest terminals in Belgium, part of Europe's second largest port in terms of containers handled, spreading over 200,000 m2, with 8 x 700 metres long tracks, 3 gantry cranes and 6 straddle carriers.
The project is in line with FS Logistix 2025-2029 Industrial Plan concerning terminals: it guarantees access to Northern European ports, the most important logistics market in Europe. The acquisition of 30% of Antwerp Mainhub will enable the development of intermodal services on the north-south route (e.g. Belgium - Italy) and, consequently, on the east-west route (e.g. France - Romania/Poland). This initiative will strengthen FS Logistix's presence in the Belgian market, especially in the intermodal services segment, and will help to overcome future terminal capacity saturation in northern Italy.
About FS Logistix
FS Logistix, part of FS Italiane Group, is a European-wide operator of multimodal systems, active in 22 countries. It offers integrated logistics services, including first- and last-mile connections and management of terminals and logistics platforms, to promote full intermodality with road and sea transport.
About Lineas
Lineas is the largest private rail freight transport company in Europe. Under the motto 'Decarbonise your supply chain', the company helps its customers reduce CO₂ emissions by offering a sustainable solution with reliable daily connections across the continent.