Modalis Group has been selected to operate the new rail-road combined transport terminal currently under construction at the western section of Dunkerque-Port.
Terminal features and location
The 9.6-hectare terminal is located adjacent to the Loon rail complex, near the port’s ro-ro terminals serving the UK and Ireland, and close to new industrial and logistics zones. Designed to handle unaccompanied intermodal transport units (UTIs), including semi-trailers and swap bodies, the terminal will serve both port-related and inland logistics flows in Dunkirk and the wider region.
The infrastructure will support up to four 750-metre trains per day and is projected to process up to 50,000 UTIs per year by 2032. This shift to rail could help reduce road freight volume and avoid an estimated 70,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.
Construction starts now, investing EUR 25 million
Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2025, starting with the installation of a roundabout at the north end of the site. This will be followed by the construction of the multimodal platform. Total investment for the project is estimated at €25 million.
In addition to handling intermodal units, the terminal will include support functions such as cleaning and servicing of containers and semi-trailers, along with minor railway maintenance activities. Modalis expects the site’s operation to generate up to 15 jobs by 2030.
International connection to Italy planned
Through its combined transport operator subsidiary Delta Rail, Modalis Group plans to launch a regular rail link between northern Italy and Dunkirk. This service is expected to be available from the start of operations in March 2026 and will connect to major European freight corridors. The terminal will operate under an open-access model and will be available for use by other operators.
