PSA Baltics N.V., a subsidiary of global port operator PSA International (PSA), has announced its signing of an agreement to acquire an 85% majority stake in Polish intermodal operator Loconi from Polish freight forwarder ATC Cargo.
In a press release, PSA states that the move aims to develop new rail products to support PSA’s European container hubs, thereby offering its customers additional options to execute the modal shift from road to rail.
PSA adds that via the acquisition, it intends to enhance existing hinterland connections from Baltic Hub Container Terminal in Gdansk, Poland and extend the port’s reach into new markets in Central and Eastern Europe.
Established in 2011, Loconi provides logistics solutions for shipping companies and freight forwarders that integrate rail transport, last mile road transport and depot services for containerised cargo. Loconi runs 220 trains every month across five corridors in Poland and handles approximately 250,000 TEUs each year.
These corridors connect the ports of Gdansk and Gdynia on Poland’s northern shore with rail terminals in Warsaw, Radomsko, Gadki, Franowo, Katy Wroclawskie, Dabrowa Gornicza and Slawkow. Earlier this year, Loconi also launched two additional corridors to Lodz and Oswiecim.
Moreover, PSA says that thanks to the acquisition of Loconi, Baltic Hub is poised to supplement its rail product offerings originating from Gdansk, in turn “fostering greater operational efficiencies and streamlined services to its partners, while continuing to operate as a multi-user rail terminal”.
Commenting on the deal, Mr Vincent Ng, Regional CEO of PSA Europe & Mediterranean and PSA Middle East South Asia said:
“As we welcome Loconi into the PSA family, we are excited about the potential for positive impact this acquisition will bring to our joint operations as well as the wider logistics industry in Poland, Eastern and Central Europe. Loconi will play an important part in our Nodeto-Network strategy in going beyond terminal services and growing our role as a port ecosystem player, through the development of port-adjacent services, such as intermodal connectivity and digitalisation. This move underscores our commitment to innovation and superior customer service, paving the way for a more interconnected and efficient port and supply chain network in the region.”
Mrs Lidia Dziewierska, CEO of Loconi Intermodal added:
“Our intention was to find a long-term partner who would support us onward in our exciting journey to enable the shift from road to rail. For years, we have paid special attention to developing effective rail-based transport solutions which can serve as a true alternative to road transport and thus genuinely add value to the ecosystems of our customers, partners and local communities.”
The transaction is still subject to approval from the relevant authorities.
Photo: Artur Andrzej, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons