Following the interest of 30 companies and the selection of three finalists (Maersk, CMA-CGM and Medlog), the logistics branch of the Swiss shipping giant MSC was selected by the Renfe Mercancías BoD as the best option on 25.09.2023.
Renfe Mercancías will become a comprehensive logistics operator, and together with Medlog, a new 50/50 joint venture will be created. All rolling stock and almost 1,000 employees of Renfe Mercancías will move to the new JV.
Since 2011, Renfe Mercancías, as an incumbent, accumulated losses worth 400 million euros, with 22 million in 2022 alone. It currently has a 52.8% market share, with Captrain España second (17.1%), Continental Rail (owned by CMA-CGM) third (11.2%), and Transfesa Logistics (owned by DB) fourth with a 7.4% market share.
With its Medway and Medlog brands, MSC will significantly boost its presence on the Iberian peninsula. In 2016, it took over the Portuguese operator CP Carga, forming Medway, which has grown not only to Spain but currently to Italy, Belgium and other European countries.
Renfe Mercancías is, among others, a beneficiary of a new eco-incentive package recently awarded to several rail freight operators by the Spanish transport ministry.
