A great honour was bestowed on Dr Sigrid Nikutta at the recent transport logistic trade fair. Dr Nikutta, Member of the DB Management Board for Freight Transport and CEO of DB Cargo, became the new chair of the European freight operating company initiative Rail Freight Forward. She replaces Dr Clemens Först, Spokesman of the Board at the ÖBB subsidiary Rail Cargo Group.
An alliance for the future of rail freight transport
Digitalisation of rail freight transport is a key agenda item for both Rail Freight Forward and Dr Nikutta. This includes digital signalling technology such as the European Train Control System (ETCS) and digital automatic coupling (DAC), which is already being described by many as a game changer. These milestones are the core building blocks for the rail freight transport of the future. "Modernising the rail industry is a Herculean task that cannot be entrusted solely to transport companies or the rules of the market. Investing in rail will pay off – for climate protection in Europe and the rest of the world," said Dr Nikutta when she accepted the baton from Dr Först.
Rail freight transport is an important lifeline for the European economy. Ten European rail freight corridors – six of which pass through Germany – supply goods to the continent, with 60% of journeys crossing at least one border. A joint alliance of freight operating companies is therefore vital for ensuring that future plans are represented by a single voice. "The goal of increasing the modal share of environmentally friendly rail freight transport to 30% can be achieved in just a few years," says Dr Nikutta, "if support for the Herculean task of line upgrades and digitalisation of rail freight transport exists at European level". Dr Nikutta will now pursue this important task not only in her capacity as CEO of DB Cargo but also as chair of Rail Freight Forward.
What are the objectives of Rail Freight Forward?
Rail Freight Forward is a coalition of European freight operating companies committed to drastically reducing the negative impact of freight transport on the planet and mobility through innovation and a more intelligent transport mix. The coalition has the ambitious goal of increasing the modal share of rail freight transport in Europe to 30% by 2030. It strives to engage rail companies, infrastructure managers and policymakers across Europe to work together to realise this modal shift. Further information is available here.
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