Strategic business consulting for the railway and logistics industry

SCI Verkehr is a medium-sized, sustainability-oriented consultancy focussing on strategic issues in the international rail and logistics business. We support our business partners in optimising their processes and evaluating their assets. We help to analyse markets and develop sustainable and tailor-made strategies for the future. This includes, among other things: Accompanying M&A activities, realising climate targets, optimising the portfolio or existing processes, and opening up new markets and business areas.

Strategic Management Consultancy Examples

Transport and vehicle market structures of a selected type of goods

Customer: European leasing company

On behalf of a major European vehicle leasing company, SCI Verkehr analysed the transport structures of selected types of goods on a product level and the subsequent market potential. A special focus was placed on the analysis of vehicle-specific demand structures with regard to the main transported good and possible substitutes.

The Chinese market for rail vehicles

Customer: Rail vehicle manufacturer

The Chinese railway market remains the worldwide largest and most dynamic single market. A leading European manufacturer of rail vehicles requires an in-depth view of current market data as well as strategic trends. SCI Verkehr analysed the current data and the developmental dynamics of the market to prepare the internal decision-making processes of the client.

Market Analyses Examples

Market potential of double-decker wagons

Customer: Leasing company

Investigation for the potential use of double-decker wagons in selected central European countries. It includes an estimate of future needs and technical requirements for the exchange of wagons between countries.

Market and competition analysis ? ticketing systems in Italy

Customer: Medium-sized railway industry

Within the framework of top-down research, a basic market and competition analysis of the Italian ticketing market is to be carried out. Of prime importance here are a compressed data and stock analysis as well as a short assessment of specific market-access conditions.

Market analysis tank wagons in Central Europe

Customer: Internationally operating maintenance service provider

SCI Verkehr was commissioned by an international maintenance service provider, to investigate the market potential for the maintenance of tank wagons in Central Europe. The basis of the analysis was the examination of the fleet size as well as the expected future fleet development of mineral, chemical and compressed gas tank wagons.

Asset Valuations Examples

Valuation of second-hand locomotive fleet

Customer: Rail freight operator

SCI Verkehr estimates the valuation of a second-hand locomotive fleet in the Iberian market. The report supports the internal decision-making of the company as well as the financing process for the acquisition of the locomotives.

Asset valuation of different types of locomotives

Customer: Vehicle financiers

For a financing decision, SCI Verkehr evaluates the asset values of different locomotive types. The valuation takes into account the cost-based valuation approach with a detailed analysis of the expected recycling scenarios as well as the associated costs.

Valuation of a fleet of modular wagons

Customer: European leasing company

SCI Verkehr carried out a valuation for a modern freight wagon fleet on behalf of a European leasing company. Particular focus was put on the modular design of the wagons. The valuation was carried out using the cost-based RC and the income-based DCF method according to IVS 2022. In addition, SCI Verkehr provided the value development of the fleet over the next 15 years.

Public Consulting Examples

Future market trends in European railway transport

Customer: German railway association

SCI Verkehr analysed the current structures in the core European markets for rail passenger transport as well as the medium-term and long-term megatrends. SCI Verkehr compiled detailed information on the relevant companies, their market shares and their economic development. As the main conclusion, SCI Verkehr identified possibilities for action to support the players in the co-determination process, especially with a view to describing options for safeguarding employment conditions.

Series of workshops for the first environmental comparison of rail transport

Customer: Allianz pro Schiene

On behalf of Allianz pro Schiene e.V., SCI Verkehr is professionally assisting the conception and implementation of a series of workshops on the theme of "Environment and Rail Transport" in addition to the "First Environmental Comparison of Rail Transport". The range of tasks includes helping to select the speakers, support in contacting the speakers, compiling and producing the meeting documents as well as looking after the speakers and participants on site.

Profitability Analyses Examples

Investment calculation railroad technology/infrastructure

Customer:

SCI Verkehr carried out an investment and profitability calculation for a service provider operating in the rail sector. This related to an investment in track and hall infrastructure as well as railroad engineering equipment. The profitability analysis was carried out for the investment and operation over 30 years.

Market development in German commuter rail sector

Customer: International consulting firm

On behalf of an international consulting firm, SCI Verkehr analysed the development of tenders for commuter rail services in Germany. In addition to an analysis of all known and planned tenders by the contracting authorities, SCI Verkehr also performed an allocation of the commuter rail vehicles currently in operation. An overview of the contract standards of all German contracting authorities was complemented by a differentiation by gross contracts and net contracts.

Cash flow model for a leasing company

Customer: Financial institution

SCI Verkehr developed a cash flow model for a financial institution for a European leasing company. The model calculates the companys expected profits until 2030 under market-realistic assumptions. It also calculates ratios such as loan-to-value and debt service coverage ratio based on a valuation of the fleet.

Process optimisations Examples

Maintenance location and portfolio assessment

Customer: maintenance specialist

Definitions of the optimal location and performance for a vehicle workshop in western North Rhine Westphalia.

Development of intermodal transport terminal

Customer: Engineering firm

A Dutch logistics group is interested in setting up a terminal for road/rail transfer. The terminal focuses on seaport hinterland traffic of North Sea ports. SCI Verkehr was tasked with testing the feasibility in cooperation with partners (with special regard to rail connectivity) and working out a grant application according to the intermodal transport guidelines

Examining the shutdown of a logistics location

Customer: Global player in food industry

A major company in the food industry is intending to close a location in Germany and replace it with a pure cross dock to slim down stocks and save costs. However, the supply quality for customers must not suffer. The task is to examine and assess the planned measures with regard to plausibility and their logistical effect.