The Spanish state-owned operator Renfe Mercancías has been swimming in troubled waters for quite some time now. The situation was confirmed by the company’s performance in 2024, deemed the worst year since 2006.
Renfe Mercancías moved 3,9 billion tonne-kilometres last year, 10.96 per cent less than in 2023. The intermodal segment was the most hit, with 1,4 billion tonne-kilometres, a decrease of 21.69 per cent. When it comes to block trains, the decrease was 2,69 per cent, reaching 2,4 billion tonne-kilometres.
When considering domestic and international services, the reductions in volumes were quite balanced. The former went down 16.69 per cent, while the latter decreased 16.04 per cent for intermodal services and 18.09 per cent.
The loss of volumes is highlighted also by the tonnes of cargo transported. In total, Renfe Mercancías moved 10,38 million tonnes of goods, 11.97 per cent less than in 2023. Intermodality was the most affected here as well, with a 21.45 per cent decrease, while block trains fell by 4.63 per cent.
The partnership with MSC
In order to get out of its current situation, Renfe Mercancías is working on establishing a joint venture with shipping giant MSC. Initially, the MSC was supposed to take over 50 per cent of Renfe Mercancías, but the plans changed. It now seems that Medlog, MSC’s logistics arm, will joing forces with the Spanish national operator, which will transfer steel, intermodal and “multi-product” services to the future joint venture.