Rhomberg Sersa Rail Group: A Great Confirmation of Our Expertise

M E D I A  R E L E A S E

"A Great Confirmation of Our Expertise"
Rhomberg Sersa Rail Group equips the rail connection for the Fehmarnbelt Link between Lübeck and Lensahn as part of the "Partnership Model Rail."

Bregenz/Fehmarn, 4. December 2024 – All good things come in threes: The Rhomberg Sersa Rail Group (RSRG) has been commissioned by Deutsche Bahn (DB) as part of the innovative "Partnership Model Rail" to carry out the railway systems installation for the rail connection of the Fehmarnbelt Fixed Link. This marks the third time the Austrian-Swiss full-service provider in railway technology has been part of such a construction alliance. Previously, RSRG earned DB’s trust for the construction of the ICE maintenance halls at the "New Cottbus Plant" and the Gäubahn North expansion near Stuttgart.

This project involves the implementation of approximately 55 kilometres of new and upgraded rail sections across five southern construction lots, forming a future-proof rail link between Germany and Denmark via the Fehmarnbelt Fixed Link. Specifically, RSRG is responsible for trackwork and the construction of slab track between Lübeck and Lensahn near Oldenburg in Holstein. Construction is scheduled to begin in late 2025, with the completion of the double-track electrified line anticipated in 2029.

When selecting project partners for the eight tender packages, DB prioritised not only cost but also the expertise of potential contractors. This approach ensures that each key element of the project is undertaken by the companies with the greatest experience and the most compelling proposals. Robert Kumpusch, Managing Director of RSRG's project business, expressed his delight:

"I am proud that we have once again convinced Deutsche Bahn of our capabilities. This is both a wonderful confirmation of our expertise in railway construction and the installation of complex rail systems, as well as of our previous work in Cottbus and on the Gäubahn. At the same time, it is a clear mandate to continue delivering top performance and full commitment."

Partnership Model Rail

The concept of DB's alliance model aims to enable swift, high-quality, cost-efficient, and on-time delivery of large, complex projects by involving key project partners as early as the planning phase. Early integration allows all stakeholders to focus their full potential and innovative capacity on optimising, expediting, and efficiently executing the project. Experience from other European countries also demonstrates that this collaborative approach enhances construction quality, cost management, and scheduling.

The Fehmarnbelt Link

The construction of a fixed link across the Fehmarnbelt and its road and rail connections – from Lübeck to Puttgarden on Fehmarn Island, continuing through the 18-kilometre Fehmarnbelt Tunnel to Copenhagen – was formalised in a 2008 treaty between Denmark and Germany. Denmark is responsible for building the submerged tunnel under the Baltic Sea and the connections on its side, while Germany is committed to providing efficient road and rail links on its side. This includes the development of approximately 88 kilometres of new or upgraded double-track electrified railway.

The connection between Fehmarn Island and the Schleswig-Holstein mainland will feature a modern 2.2-kilometre-long submerged tunnel with two railway tracks and four traffic lanes. The Fehmarnsund Bridge will remain available for pedestrians, cyclists, and slow road traffic, such as agricultural vehicles. Additionally, about 47 kilometres of noise barriers, over 80 new bridges, and seven new transport stations will be constructed along the route. The overarching aim is to create the capacity needed to manage Europe’s growing transport demands sustainably and efficiently in the long term.
 
 
About Rhomberg Sersa Rail Group
The Rhomberg Sersa Rail Group was formed in 2012 from the merger of the Swiss Sersa Group and Austrian Rhomberg Bahntechnik. Since then, the railway technology company has evolved into an international full-service provider with a comprehensive range of services in railway construction, equipment, and maintenance. Its clients include local and long-distance passenger rail operators, freight railways, and private infrastructure providers.

The Rhomberg Sersa Rail Group is committed to establishing rail as the leading mobility solution of the future by leveraging technological advancements, digitalisation, and partnerships.
The company employs around 3,000 staff. In the 2023/24 fiscal year, the group achieved an operating performance of approximately €760 million across nine countries on three continents (Europe, Australia, North America).

For more information, visit www.rhomberg-sersa.com.