Swedish forestry company Holmen has concluded an agreement with rail freight operator Protrain to handle a substantial portion of its roundwood transport by train.
From Piteå to Norrköping by rail
The agreement includes services from nine different timber terminals across Sweden, covering routes from Piteå in the north to Norrköping in the south. The two trains involved in the operation will each be over 300 metres in length, with a total estimated transport volume of approximately 750,000 cubic metres of roundwood annually.
This volume corresponds to the yearly capacity of over 60 trucks operating in two shifts, based on comparative figures provided. Rail continues to form a substantial part of Holmen’s land-based transport activities, with every fourth kilometre currently electrified.
Protrain to cover majority of rail operations
Under this agreement, Protrain will assume a leading role in Holmen's rail-based transport within Sweden. While Holmen has been using multiple train operators, this agreement will centralise much of its railway logistics under a single provider. The average journey length for these timber trains exceeds 300 kilometres.
Holmen aims to shift more of its transport volume to electrified modes, in line with internal logistics priorities. The new setup reflects ongoing efforts within the company to reduce diesel road transport dependency by focusing on longer-distance rail shipments.
The service is expected to connect Holmen's timber loading points with approximately ten industrial customers nationwide. Train operation under the new agreement is scheduled to begin in mid-December 2025.
