ÖBB-Technische Services, a subsidiary of the Austrian State Railways’ Rail Cargo Group and Voestalpine Stahl have signed a 50:50 joint venture agreement that paves the way for the implementation of their co-created platform concept TransANT.

This innovative, lightweight platform wagon, created by the two companies, not only sets new standards in the rail logistics industry in terms of flexibility and modularity, it also sets a new benchmark on the freight transport market.

Its modular platform concept makes it possible to load greater volumes and also makes it a flexible superstructure that can be customised to meet every individual logistics requirement. Launched in the autumn of 2018, the first 60 freight wagons from the TransANT product range have been successfully and efficiently transporting domestic ore for Voestalpine since autumn 2019.

Sandra Gott-Karlbauer, managing director of ÖBB-Technische Services, said: “With TransANT, we channelled our expertise in innovative transport solutions into a landmark concept. The joint venture will put this revolutionary technology on the rails and make rail freight transport more flexible, more sustainable and more attractive.”

Wolfgang Mitterdorfer, sales director of the Voestalpine Steel Division, added: “What started out on paper two years ago is now protecting the environment and saving money. The joint venture gives us a common framework for driving forward this innovation. The time has come.”