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The objective is clear: we want more freight to be transported by rail and the industry to make decisive progress. To achieve this, we maintain close dialogue with our customers and partners, understand the market and look closely at what the rail operations of tomorrow really need to remain competitive. We invest in new technologies, have the courage to explore new paths and help shape innovation. In this way, we support our customers in the Trainsition of their fleets into the future – and together, we are putting more vehicles on Europe’s railways.
Milestones
Northrail is always on the move. With one unchanging ambition: to provide our customers with quality and reliable service now and in the future.
Began as asset manager for the first rail funds for German private investors
Focus on diesel shunting locomotives
Building of a professional team for the management of rail vehicles
Won contract to supply trains as part of the Marschbahn concession
Acquisition of shunting locomotives and modern electric and hybrid locomotives
Further transactions in passenger transpor
Presence in France and Poland
Secured financing through new credit facilities
Expanded the portfolio to meet market demand
Sustainability and ESG
For us, sustainability is part of responsible business. That is the case today and will remain so as we continue to grow. In this context, we are guided by leading international standards such as the UN Global Compact, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the OECD Guidelines for Responsible Business Conduct.
Environment
We are consciously reducing our environmental impact by measuring emissions, improving efficiency in targeted areas and supporting the transition to low-carbon rail transport.
Social
We create a safe, inclusive and supportive working environment while also contributing to sustainable mobility for society.
Governance
We act with integrity and transparency and uphold high compliance standards to ensure responsible corporate conduct.
We anchor our sustainability criteria throughout the entire value chain. We also maintain long-term partnerships based on trust, fairness and responsibility.
For us, ESG is an ongoing process: we regularly review our performance and have it independently assessed. Our commitment has been recognised with an EcoVadis Bronze Medal. This award is an important milestone for us and, at the same time, an incentive to continue moving forward.
We want to help shape the future of rail mobility. With modern, efficient rail vehicles and sustainable leasing solutions for Europe, we are contributing to a low-carbon transport system. Our ESG principles for long-term value creation are an integral part of our strategy.
Our management
Dr Volker Simmering (CEO) has been guiding Northrail since 2009 and brings more than 20 years of experience in the finance, investment and transport sectors. Björn Schwarten (CFO), who joined Northrail in 2025, has also worked in finance for more than 20 years, including more than 10 years in the rail industry.
Together, they represent a clear set of principles: customer proximity, high standards of quality and the courage to explore new paths. They want to do more than simply accompany transformation in the rail sector – they want to shape it and drive it forward. In this context, “The Trainsition” represents their ambition to forge new paths together with customers and partners and turn ambition into tangible progress.
The management board is supported by an experienced and diverse team of managers.
Facts and figures
55
2008
430
1.5
‘Northrail is one of the innovators in the rail vehicle lease market. We take bold action, identify trends early on and set the highest standards in terms of quality and customer focus.’
Dr Volker Simmering
Chief Executive Officer
‘We work to support a strong rail industry. Our approach is: listen, understand and develop together.’
Björn Schwarten
Chief Financial Officer
RIVE x Northrail
With RIVE Private Investment, Northrail has a strong strategic partner at its side. We have worked closely together since 2017, with this partnership strengthened by the acquisition of a majority stake in May 2024. Our shared vision is to further develop Northrail as an integrated European leasing platform and to drive forward decarbonisation in Europe.
We could hardly be more central: our office is located in the heart of Hamburg, just a few minutes from the Speicherstadt warehouse district and Hamburg Central Station. Inside, modern, bright spaces await – with views all the way to the Elbphilharmonie concert hall.
News
Summer, sunshine, team spirit – delicious drinks, good conversation and funny caricatures made for a special team afternoon.
Vectron Dual Mode for HERING: in use throughout Germany for construction site logistics and the transport of railway slewing cranes.
