FS Logistix expands its presence in Europe with management of the Antwerp terminal
Original article in Italian
2.09.2025 | Antwerp
- Modalink is born, a joint venture with the Belgian operator Lineas
- 30% stake, with an option to increase up to 49%
- development of intermodal services between Northern and Southern Europe
FS Logistix, a company of the FS Group and operator of multimodal systems, has acquired a stake in Modalink, a new company established as a joint venture with Lineas, the largest private rail freight operator in Europe, to manage the Antwerp Mainhub rail terminal, which handles 1.5 million tonnes of freight annually and operates 2,500 trains.
This strategic initiative aims to improve the efficiency and connectivity of rail freight services between Belgium and Italy, as well as other key European routes. The transaction is part of the growth trend in the rail market, estimated to grow by approximately 2% annually between 2023 and 2029. This agreement will further 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 represents an important milestone in our journey to become a key player in European logistics. This agreement is part of our Industrial Plan, which includes the expansion of existing terminals and the creation of new technologically advanced and environmentally sustainable hubs. This will allow us to increase the volume of goods transported by rail, thanks to increasingly efficient connections between our ports and terminals with the national network and 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 collaboration not only strengthens Antwerp's role as a strategic multimodal hub, but also enables us to optimize last-mile operations and enhance the North-South rail corridors. By joining forces with FS Logistix, we are laying the foundation for modular, turnkey terminal solutions that can meet the growing demand for efficient, low-emission freight transport.”
FS Logistix has entered the NewCo with a 30% stake, with an option to increase the stake to 49%. Modalink will manage the Antwerp Mainhub terminal and the last-mile intermodal service between the Port of Antwerp and surrounding areas. As part of the agreement, management of the commercial lines currently operated by Lineas, connecting Belgium with Italy (Antwerp-Milan), will be transferred to FS Logistix. This transfer also includes the signing of a traction contract with Lineas.
The Antwerp Mainhub terminal is one of Belgium's main terminals, part of Europe's second largest port for container handling, with an area of 200,000 m2, eight 700-meter-long tracks, three gantry cranes and six straddle carriers.
The project is aligned with the FS Logistix 2025-2029 Industrial Plan regarding Terminals: it guarantees access to Northern European ports, the most important logistics market in Europe. The acquisition of a 30% stake in 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, particularly in intermodal services, and will help overcome future terminal capacity saturation in northern Italy.
About FS Logistix
FS Logistix, a company of the FS Italiane Group, is a European multimodal systems operator, operating in 22 countries. It offers integrated logistics services, including first- and last-mile connections and the management of terminals and logistics platforms, to promote full intermodality with road and sea transport.
About Lineas
Lineas is the largest private rail freight company in Europe. With the motto "We decarbonize your supply chain," the company helps its customers reduce CO₂ emissions by offering a sustainable solution with reliable daily connections across the continent.