SBB Cargo already has subsidiaries in Germany and Italy and says the new company will reduce its dependency on third parties, although SBB Cargo International will continue to rely on cooperation with long-term partners such as shunting service providers.
By establishing a Dutch subsidiary based in Rotterdam, SBB Cargo International aims to strengthen its position in the European north-south freight market and improve the quality of its international activities. SBB Cargo International estimates its share in rail freight on the north-south corridor through Switzerland to be about 40%, and the number of direct freight trains operating between Dutch sea ports and the north of Italy is set to increase.
Mr Freek Hilkemeijer has been named as the new managing director of the subsidiary. Hilkemeijer, who has more than 20 years of railway experience, worked as operations manager and quality, safety and environment manager at Husa Transportation Railway Service (HTRS) Netherlands until 2013. Since 2014 he has been managing his own consulting firm Rail Competence.
The subsidiary will initially use drivers from SBB Cargo Germany as hiring of its own workforce takes place.
