This decision comes amid considerations for a strategic partnership with Medlog, a subsidiary of the MSC, for its freight business.
The proposal, which was approved by Renfe's Board of Directors last September, awaits further endorsements from the Government Delegate Commission for Economic Affairs and the Council of Ministers.
Renfe Mercancías aims to integrate its railway services into a broader logistics chain provided by the MSC Group, leveraging MSC's global leadership in maritime transport, logistics, and container transport. This integration is expected to enhance the role of railway transport as a crucial component in the logistics chain.
A significant aspect of this collaboration is Renfe Mercancías's international business expansion. With its extensive network of 760 ships covering over 300 routes globally and a presence in 155 countries, the MSC Group offers a substantial platform for Renfe Mercancías to grow its international footprint.
The partnership also focuses on increasing rail freight transport, particularly to and from major ports on the Iberian peninsula, and optimising the use of material resources to boost productivity and utilisation.
The selection of Medlog SA as a potential partner was based on economic and technical solvency criteria, aiming to strengthen Renfe Mercancías and transform it into a sustainable and growing comprehensive logistics operator. Renfe has also assured that the project will provide job security for all Renfe Mercancías workers, either in the new joint venture or elsewhere within Renfe, without detriment.
Renfe Mercancías, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Renfe Operadora, operates 50,000 transport services annually in the container and unit train businesses.
