Belgian Federal government’s €61M loan to Lineas: a recognition of the company’s strategic importance for the country

The €61 million loan, to be provided via SFPIM¹, Belgium’s Sovereign Wealth Fund and a long-term shareholder of Lineas, will enable the company to weather the difficult economic climate in the early months of 2025, marked by a general decline in volumes in the steel, chemicals and automotive sectors across Europe.

This decision reflects the strategic importance of Lineas for Belgium: a key logistics player serving hundreds of industries in relevant sectors of the economy, and an employer of more than 1,500 people. Its operations are fundamental for European supply chains and for the decarbonization of freight transport.

Lineas has undergone a far-reaching transformation of its business model. Despite challenging market conditions, the company has delivered financial progress, with EBIT losses reduced from €82 million in 2022 to €13,6 million in 2024.

Under the leadership of its new CEO, Erik van Ockenburg, and building on the transformation initiated by the previous management, Lineas has launched a new strategic roadmap, and is currently gaining strong commercial momentum, with major new contract wins, particularly in intermodal and chemicals. The business plan, covering the period 2025-2027, has the company at EBIT breakeven by 2026.

This public financing enables Lineas to continue to serve its customers, while actively engaging with private investors to further strengthen its capital structure and support future development. The Belgian authorities remain open to exploring other avenues to further support the company's strategic developments.

Jean-Luc Crucke, Federal Minister of Mobility, Climate and Environmental Transition, responsible for sustainable development: "The Belgian State has always considered rail freight to be a pillar of ecological and industrial transition. Lineas, Europe's leading private rail freight operator, is at the heart of this ambition. This public financing is fully aligned with our long-term vision.”

Jan Jambon, Federal Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Pensions: "SFPIM‘s investment in Lineas reflects the company’s long-term relevance to Belgium’s economic and environmental goals. As a strategic investor, SFPIM is committed to supporting the development of strong, future-oriented enterprises, and Lineas clearly fits that profile.”

Erik van Ockenburg, CEO of Lineas: "This loan from the Belgian government is a strong recognition of Lineas’ role in building the logistics of tomorrow. We are pleased to be able to send our customers, partners and employees a message of continuity and, above all, the assurance of our commitment to taking the company where it has to go: in delivering quality, high-value customer service and sustainable profitability, while being an attractive employer.”

_{1 SFPIM : Société Fédérale de Participations et d'Investissement} 

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