CFL Cargo Marks 20th Anniversary of European Rail Freight Operations

On Friday 23 October 2026, Luxembourg's national railway company, CFL, celebrated the 20th anniversary of its subsidiary CFL cargo with a ceremony at the Bettembourg-Dudelange Multimodal Platform, marking two decades of activity in rail freight and logistics in Europe.

The event brought together around 100 guests, including Marc Wengler, General Director of CFL, Barbara Chevalier, General Director of CFL Freight Activities, Sébastien Hoffmann, Chief Executive of CFL cargo, Jean-Marie Jans, Mayor of Bettembourg, and Members of Parliament Dan Biancalana (LSAP) and Josée Lorsché (déi gréng).

"Twenty years is an important milestone for any company. It is an opportunity to look back with pride at the journey since 2006," said Sébastien Hoffmann in his opening speech. He thanked everyone who had contributed to the company's establishment and development over the past two decades, highlighting the commitment of its teams, the trust of its customers and partners, and the support of its shareholders.

Marc Wengler then reflected on the development of CFL cargo since its establishment in 2006. He recalled that the freight business had faced significant financial difficulties before the liberalisation of the European rail freight market, with annual structural losses exceeding €30 million. The company subsequently underwent a major transformation involving the modernisation of production processes, staff training and the development of a new business model.

Marc Wengler highlighted the importance of cooperation between management, employees, trade unions and industrial partners, including ArcelorMittal, in supporting this transformation. He also recalled the challenges posed by the 2009 financial crisis and subsequent difficulties in the steel industry. Turning to the company's international development, Marc Wengler noted that CFL cargo had expanded its operations beyond Luxembourg, establishing subsidiaries in France and Germany and, more recently, Belgium. He also mentioned the development of CFL technics activities in France and the diversification of the group's services. The wider business now employs around 1,500 people.

Looking ahead, Marc Wengler pointed to continuing challenges for European rail freight, including competition between transport modes, infrastructure works in Germany, differences between national technical systems and complex regulations. Nevertheless, he expressed confidence in CFL cargo's strategy and its ability to continue developing as a competitive international rail freight operator.

In a video message, Luxembourg's Minister for Mobility and Public Works, Yuriko Backes, congratulated CFL cargo on its 20th anniversary and highlighted the importance of rail freight for Luxembourg's economy and European logistics. She stated: "Rail transport is an essential pillar of sustainable mobility, a competitive economy and more resilient European logistics." The minister also stressed that investing in rail means investing in the country's economic future, the resilience of its supply chains and its climate objectives, while thanking CFL cargo's employees, industrial partners and customers for their contributions over the past two decades.

Following the speeches, Barbara Chevalier presented a newly unveiled CFL cargo locomotive to mark the company's 20th anniversary. The locomotive features a special green forest-themed design with a deer and the slogan "20 Years of Ecologistics", alongside the message "Shaping Our Future”.

The ceremony concluded with an anniversary cake and a networking reception for guests.