Leipzig-based CargoBeamer, a logistics company specializing in road-to-rail freight solutions, has raised €65 million in equity and debt financing from Orion Infrastructure Capital (OIC).
This latest investment follows €50 million from an existing shareholder and €90 million in government grants from Germany and Switzerland in 2024, bringing the company’s total funding to €205 million over the past year.
Revolutionizing Freight Transport with Automated Road-to-Rail Technology
CargoBeamer’s automated transshipment system allows non-craneable semi-trailers to be loaded onto trains in just 20 minutes, a process nine times faster than conventional crane terminals. By shifting freight from road to rail, the company is helping:
- Cut CO₂ emissions by 85% compared to diesel trucking.
- Alleviate highway congestion by reducing long-haul trucking reliance.
- Address truck driver shortages with an efficient rail-based logistics system.
Jeremy Glick, Investment Partner at OIC, highlighted CargoBeamer’s role in the transition to sustainable freight transport:
“Their proprietary technology is a game-changer for European logistics, enabling a cost-effective and scalable shift from road to rail while supporting decarbonization efforts.”
Expansion Plans: New Terminals in Germany and Italy
CargoBeamer plans to use the fresh capital to build two new intermodal terminals in:
- Kaldenkirchen, Germany
- Domodossola, Italy
Construction is set to begin in 2025, with both sites operational by 2026. These will join CargoBeamer’s first automated terminal in Calais, France, which opened in 2021. Positioned along one of Europe’s busiest freight corridors, these hubs will further enhance high-frequency rail connections across the continent.
Nicolas Albrecht, CEO of CargoBeamer, emphasized the company’s vision:
“This funding cements our position as a leader in intermodal logistics. With OIC’s support, we are building next-generation infrastructure to drive Europe’s freight transition.”
Backing from a Global Infrastructure Investor
Orion Infrastructure Capital (OIC), managing $5 billion in assets, is a key backer of sustainable transportation and logistics solutions. The firm has offices in New York, Houston, and London and focuses on investments in renewable energy, digital infrastructure, waste management, and transport logistics.
Looking Ahead
CargoBeamer is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable freight transport, with plans to expand its network of automated intermodal terminals and enhance rail connectivity across Europe. By accelerating the shift from road to rail, the company is set to play a pivotal role in reducing emissions and modernizing freight logistics on a continental scale.