The Modalis Group and Dunkerque-Port have officially launched construction of the new Dunkirk rail-road terminal, a strategic €25 million investment designed to accelerate Europe’s modal shift and support the continent’s low-carbon logistics ambitions.
This new terminal will relieve road congestion, reduce CO₂ emissions, and optimize freight flows. It will strengthen the economic attractiveness of the Dunkirk industrial-port zone and, more broadly, support the transition of the Hauts-de-France region.
With an investment of €25 million, the two partners mark a major step toward decarbonized logistics. Built in record time and operational in spring 2026, the site will connect Dunkirk to major European industrial corridors. The objective is clear: to shift up to 50,000 transport units per year from road to rail and avoid 70,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions. This project reflects a shared vision of intelligent, sustainable mobility.
Located on 9.6 hectares along the Loon-Plage railway corridor, and close to the Great Britain & Ireland RoRo terminals, the facility is designed to serve the dense industrial fabric of the region. Open to all rail operators, it will accommodate four 750-meter freight trains, each capable of transporting 130 to 150 semi-trailers. A large storage area will hold more than 600 units (swap bodies or trailers), supporting the shift of significant volumes from road to rail.
The terminal’s first regular service will link Dunkirk and Piacenza (Italy) via Lyon, operated by Delta Rail, a subsidiary of Modalis Group. This new corridor will connect northern and southern European industrial centers, with extended access to the United Kingdom through DFDS maritime routes between Dunkirk, Dover, and Rosslare.
Designed with environmental performance in mind, the site will feature next-generation handling and traction equipment: HVO-powered vehicles reducing CO₂ emissions by 85%, and electric shunters for rail operations. A shared maintenance zone will support wagons, swap bodies, and trailers, and enhancing local services while limiting costly empty trips.
This project aligns with Dunkirk’s broader green reindustrialization strategy, supporting port growth, logistics development, and the decarbonization trajectory of the territory. The terminal will create around 15 direct jobs and contribute to training new technicians specialized in combined transport and rail maintenance.
Founded in 2002, the family-owned Modalis Group has become a major player in multimodal logistics and a committed partner in freight decarbonization. Building on expertise in intermodal equipment leasing and management, the Group has developed an integrated model combining engineering, operations, maintenance, and infrastructure management. The Dunkirk site complements its terminals in Burgundy, Lorraine, and Italy, connecting Europe’s industrial basins through a low-carbon network.
Maurice Georges, Chairman of Dunkerque-Port, said:
“This project maintains efficient inland access to the port while supporting Europe’s long-distance modal shift objectives. It marks a decisive step toward more sustainable logistics.”
Bernard Meï, President of Modalis Group, added:
“Ports are central to modal choices. Providing them with modern infrastructures is essential to supporting freight decarbonization. Modalis is proud to contribute to this transformation alongside Dunkerque-Port.”
