Welcome to the website of RFC North Sea – Med!

In the current uncertain economic context, RFC North Sea-Med commits to deliver

In an uncertain economic context, Rail Freight Corridor North Sea - Med continues to deliver capacity for all international freight traffic. Thanks to the commitment of our members and the coordination provided by our C-OSS, we have successfully increased the volume of requested PaPs by 22% in 2023, despite the slightly lower offer for TimeTable 2024 (TT2024). Also, the overall punctuality on the Corridor increased by 2 % from 74% to 76% in 2023. Despite these positive results, we unfortunately did not manage to turn around the negative trend regarding the number of trains using our Corridor. But we will continue to focus on our customers by offering an even larger PaP catalogue for TT2025, by far the largest catalogue of the 11 Rail Freight Corridors.

Thanks to the help of the C-OSS, our customers can more easily submit their requests in PCS. The rest of the Permanent Team is also dedicated to this customer-focus approach and assists our customers. Furthermore, the Corridor elaborated and developed the concept of «Capacity Intelligence». More than an analysis of the capacity situation of five hundred pages on the most heavily used lines of the Corridor, it is, above all, a methodology to be shared with as many people as possible. This study establishes a more rational and transparent approach to capacity. This approach should improve dialogue with all stakeholders and decision-makers. We invite everyone to download it from our website.

Of course, we cannot talk about 2023 without mentioning the publication of the proposal for a Regulation on the use of railway infrastructure capacity in the single European railway area published by the European Commission in July 2023. Over the next few years, it will completely transform the landscape of capacity allocation within the Union. With our RFC’s unparalleled expertise, we are confident that we can ensure a seamless transition for all customers and partners.

Before that the changes brought by the Proposal will occur in the coming years, we will first be turning the page of RFC North Sea – Med, with the merge with the Rhine -Alpine. The North Sea - Rhine - Mediterranean Rail Freight Corridor will be created, following the expected publication of the new TEN-T Regulation by June 2024. The potential options and approaches are under discussion between the Management Boards and Executive Boards of both Corridors to realise this merger and comply with the new TEN-T Regulation. Until then, the Executive Board, the Management Board and the Permanent Team will remain mobilised to ensure that RFC North Sea - Med remains a key player in the sector.

As Robert Schuman - a great and convinced European - pointed out : “Europe will not be made all at once, or according to a single plan. It will be built through concrete achievements which first create a de facto solidarity”.

In any case, in 2024, just like in previous years, we are thrilled to continue meeting with you to better meet your needs and work together to improve the performance of the trains running on our Corridor.

Pending these developments, the Permanent Team, the members of the Executive Board and Management Board, in cooperation with the Terminal and Railway Undertaking Advisory Groups, will continue to offer train paths, coordinate track works and monitor performance in order to continue to facilitate international rail freight flows.

You will find in this site all the information concerning the activities of the corridor. If you do not find the information you are looking for, do not hesitate to contact our team directly.

Enjoy your visit!