EUROPE: TX Logistik has been certified to provide rail services in Norway, removing the need to work with a local operating partner.

'We can now link Norway directly to our own network', said board member Raimund Stüer. 'We will be able to offer end-to-end transport from Norway through to Italy from a single source', using two hired Bombardier Traxx Class 185.2 electric locomotives.

TX Logistik is aiming to develop connections between Scandinavia and southern Europe, with Stüer seeing 'great potential' for 'high-quality and reliable rail-based logistics services, particularly with combined transport'.

Established in 1999 and based in Germany, TX Logistik is now 51% owned by Trenitalia. It focuses on north-south freight traffic via the Alps, with safety certificates in Austria, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland, and partners in Denmark. The 280 employees include 150 drivers and shunters, and annual revenue totals more than €120m.