DB takes German Locomotive Drivers union to court over strike dispute
The labour dispute between Deutsche Bahn (DB) and the Union of German Locomotive Drivers (GDL) is going to court. The company claims that the union is unable to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), and...Read more
‘Chinese investments in EU infrastructure need to be better understood’
The European Parliament’s Transport and Tourism Committee (TRAN) commissioned a study on Chinese investments in non-maritime infrastructure in Europe and the possible risks they might entail. The biggest risks identified concern Chinese influence on EU...Read more
Vast majority of GDL members vote in favour of open-ended strikes
The Union of German Locomotive Drivers (GDL) members have officially voted in favour of extended industrial action that could possibly start in January. The union’s head, Claus Weselsky, said there will be no strike during...Read more
It’s official: Deutsche Bahn starts DB Schenker selling process
Deutsche Bahn (DB) has officially started the sale process of its logistics subsidiary DB Schenker. Potential buyers were invited via an advertisement in the Wall Street Journal on Tuesday, 19 December, to express their interest...Read more
Abu Dhabi fund reportedly interested in buying DB Schenker
Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund ADQ is reportedly interested in the acquisition of DB Schenker. This brings in a new candidate for the acquisition of the logistics subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn (DB).Read more
It’s happening: DB starts construction for Fehmarn Belt Tunnel access
Construction for the future German rail access to the Fehmarn Belt Tunnel, leading into Denmark, is officially underway. The new 18.2-kilometre underwater tunnel will connect the Danish island of Lolland with the German island of...Read more
DB tries to avoid industrial standstill during new strike round
strike update The ongoing 24-hour strike launched by GDL’s train drivers in Germany has cornered state-owned operator DB, especially its freight division DB Cargo. Links connecting ports and industrial sites are the most heavily affected. According to...Read more
German train drivers launch another strike, worsening massive backlog
A second round of warning strikes by train driver union GDL starts today, Thursday, 7 December. The strike will commence at 18:00 for freight services and 22:00 for passenger trains. It will end on Friday,...Read more
TX Logistik officially becomes Germany’s second-largest operator
It took TX Logistik an acquisition to climb up the ladder and increase its market share in Germany. The deal for acquiring Exploris Deutschland Holding is sealed, making the Mercitalia Logistics subsidiary the second-largest operator...Read more
German Cartel Office also roots for DB’s split into two companies
The argument that Deutsche Bahn should be split into two separate companies–one for infrastructure and one for operations is gaining more support. The Federal Cartel Office, Germany’s national competition regulatory agency, also favours the idea...Read more
Can Germany afford another round of rail strikes?
The situation between union GDL and Deutsche Bahn is becoming more complex. The locomotive drivers’ union carried out a 20-hour-long rail strike last week. GDL is now calling its members to vote for an extended...Read more
DB presents project for Germany’s longest rail tunnel to Czechia
Deutsche Bahn (DB) recently unveiled a new project proposal for a better connection between Germany and the Czech Republic. It entails the construction of Germany’s longest railway tunnel, which will stretch through the Ore Mountains...Read more
German top court ruling leaves rail budget with a multi-billion euro gap
Rail budget 2024At the end of last week, the German Constitutional Court ruled that the German government’s climate policy funding mechanisms are unconstitutional. This practically means that the federal government will not be able to use capital...Read moreStrikes back in the German timetable, at least 270 freight trains cancelled
Between January and August 2023, the dispute between Deutsche Bahn and EVG monopolised the interest, resulting in massive warning strikes in rail and avoiding a total lockout at the last minute. Now, Germany is on...Read more
HHLA maintains negative trends in 2023
Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) has been experiencing a decline in revenue since the beginning of the year. Things do not seem to be improving according to the company’s data for the first nine...Read more
No new railway project was commissioned in 2023 in Germany
The plan announced by the current ruling class in Germany, the so-called traffic light coalition, to expand rail capacity did bring the expected results for 2023. German rail association Die Güterbahnen said that “no new...Read more
German port-rail project kicks off with first container train
The German project known as LOG4NRW, aiming to improve rail connectivity and efficiency in the Ruhr area, has kicked off with the first container train service. The train left Kreuztal and transited to Duisburg via...Read more
CargoBeamer halts Perpignan-Neuss service: ‘France is a difficult market’
CargoBeamer suspended its service from Perpignan to Neuss in mid-September due to operational difficulties linked to various disruptions in France, including strikes and high energy prices. “It is not always an easy country to work...Read more
Frankfurt-Mannheim railway: total closure between 1 and 22 January
The Riedbahn, the railway connecting Frankfurt with Mannheim, will be “fully closed to train traffic from 1-22 January”, Deutsche Bahn (DB) stated. The line is planned to undergo significant renovation over the next five months....Read more