FS Logistix, the multimodal logistics company of the FS Group, has strengthened its international footprint through the creation of Modalink, a new joint venture with Belgian rail freight operator Lineas. The partnership will manage the Antwerp Mainhub rail terminal, which handles 1.5 million tonnes of goods and 2,500 trains per year.
Under the agreement, FS Logistix has acquired a 30% stake in Modalink, with the option to increase its shareholding to 49%. The venture is designed to enhance efficiency and connectivity of freight services between Belgium, Italy, and other key European routes.
Strategic growth in intermodal logistics
The move comes as the European rail freight market continues to expand, with forecasts of annual growth of around 2% between 2023 and 2029. FS Logistix sees the development of Modalink as a strategic step towards becoming a leading player in the European logistics sector.
“The creation of Modalink represents an important milestone in our journey to become a key player in European logistics,” said Sabrina De Filippis, CEO of FS Logistix. “It forms part of our Industrial Plan, which focuses on upgrading existing terminals and creating new, technologically advanced and environmentally sustainable hubs. This will allow us to increase freight volumes carried by rail, thanks to more efficient connections between our ports and terminals, the national network and European rail corridors.”
Erik van Ockenburg, CEO of Lineas, added: “With the launch of Modalink, we are taking a bold step towards a more integrated and sustainable European logistics network. This partnership not only strengthens Antwerp’s role as a strategic multimodal hub but also enables us to optimise last-mile operations and reinforce north–south rail corridors. By joining forces with FS Logistix, we are laying the foundations for modular, ready-to-deploy terminal solutions that meet the growing demand for efficient, low-emission freight transport.”
Operations and network impact
Modalink will oversee the management of the Antwerp Mainhub terminal and the associated last-mile intermodal services between the port and surrounding areas. As part of the agreement, responsibility for commercial routes currently operated by Lineas, including the Antwerp–Milan link, will be transferred to FS Logistix. This transition also includes the signing of a traction contract with Lineas.
Antwerp Mainhub is one of Belgium’s most significant freight terminals, located in the country’s largest port and the second-largest container hub in Europe. Covering 200,000 m², it is equipped with eight 700-metre tracks, three gantry cranes and six straddle carriers.
Strengthening north–south and east–west corridors
The acquisition aligns with FS Logistix’s 2025–2029 Industrial Plan, particularly its terminal strategy. By securing access to the ports of northern Europe, FS Logistix can expand intermodal services along the north–south axis (for example Belgium–Italy) and extend connections across the east–west axis (such as France–Romania/Poland).
This expansion is expected to ease capacity constraints at Italian northern terminals and bolster FS Logistix’s position in the Belgian logistics market, particularly in intermodal operations.
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