EUROPE: ‘Intermodal rail freight transport remains a key market, but it now operates according to new rules’, according to Maria Leenen, Managing Partner of German transport consultancy SCI Verkehr. ‘Growth now occurs where capacity, cost control and reliable demand come together – no longer across the board.’
SCI Verkehr has published its European Intermodal Rail Freight Market 2026 report, which says that growth in the intermodal market is becoming increasingly selective, regionally limited and driven by individual major customers.
Large shippers, logistics groups and port operators are increasingly taking on an active role, with proprietary train services, dedicated routes forming integral part of integrated logistics chains and long-term volume guarantees replacing the traditional multi-user model.
High energy prices, rising track access charges and ongoing capacity bottlenecks on key corridors — particularly in Germany and the Alpine region — are worsening rail’s competitiveness against road transport. This is putting traditional intermodal rail operations under increasing pressure.
However, there is growth elsewhere, with maritime hinterland transport benefiting from rising import volumes, changes in the ports used and the growing importance of efficient connections to the sea. Markets such as Poland, Spain and southeast Europe are gaining in importance, supported by government subsidy programmes and new terminal projects.
