Danish DFDS acquires rail operator primeRail

primeRail will operate as a new business area Rail in DFDS covering primeRail and the existing DFDS intermodal business.

primeRail operates continental and maritime transport logistics concepts in a combination of rail and road and was founded in 2019. In 2020, DFDS launched a new "Intermodal Transport Competence Center" in Cologne, in partnership with primeRail, to provide intermodal solutions for DFDS customers.

“I am proud that after successful cooperation with DFDS, primeRail will now become an important part of one of the leading ferry networks in Europe. primeRail will be integrated into DFDS, maximizing mobility with cost-effective and innovative intermodal transport solutions,” founder and CEO of primeRail Patrick Zilles says.

The Rail business area is organized within the Mediterranean business unit and headed by Patrick Zilles, currently CEO of primeRail. As Vice President and Head of Rail, Patrick Zilles reports to Head of Mediterranean, Lars Hoffmann, who explains:

“Since we acquired our Turkish route network in mid-2018, we have learned how much value train solutions can add to our business model and network. We extend our network, and with the increasing focus on green solutions, it’s a natural step to develop our train set-up further. We have since 2018 doubled our number of weekly trains; it is, therefore, natural to take the next step. We see an increasing demand for rail transport combined with our ferry routes and logistics services. Partnering with primeRail allows us to offer additional intermodal solutions. Customers can drop off units at our terminals in Turkey and pick them up in Europe very close to the end destinations.”

The complete integration of primeRail into DFDS is expected to be completed within the year.