The German intermodal rail company Helrom filed for insolvency for a second time earlier this week. On the morning of Friday 29 May, its employees were reportedly informed about its nearing fate: liquidation.
The financial situation at Helrom does not allow for a continuation of its business activities, reports German publication DVZ. Helrom trains have supposedly been standing still for a week already. Employees will lose their jobs.
Under-capitalisation is said to be one of the reasons behind the second insolvency. Demand for the company’s intermodal services was not an issue. Rather, subpar cost management reportedly led to wrong assumptions about the expenses necessary to carry out assignments.
Second insolvency
Helrom, which offers a similar product to CargoBeamer, Modalohr and r2L to transport semi-trailers on rail, already once filed for insolvency in the summer of 2025. It concluded those proceedings in early 2026 and got a new owner. These efforts have not managed to save the company after all.
German publication DVZ writes that the public prosecutor will automatically take action in the case of two such insolvency proceedings in rapid succession. It will investigate if there is a stay of proceedings or embezzlement of funds.