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

Support in restructuring process in rail freight transport

Customer: Market-leading freight transport company

Against the background of the global economic and financial crisis, a short-term need for a reaction and restructuring arose for a leading company in the freight transport sector. SCI Verkehr GmbH supported the client as a professional expert in close consultation with management. We reviewed the measures developed, compiled alternative scenarios and provided professional support in the negotiations.

Market study freight wagon leasing

Customer: Infrastructure fund

On behalf of a leading investment company, SCI Verkehr compiled a market study of freight wagon leasing in Europe. This study is used as a basis for a business strategy. Besides a market overview, synergy effects and the economic consequences of the German rail freight master plan are presented.

Development steel logistics centre

Customer: Leading railway transport company

A leading railway company in Europe is planning to build a steel logistics centre in Germany. In a preliminary study, SCI Verkehr will develop key aspects and will identify customers and markets for this centre.

Market Analyses Examples

Current market value and performance of main-line diesel locomotives

Customer: European leasing company

On behalf of a European leasing company, SCI Verkehr assessed the current market value and the performance of heavy main-line diesel locomotives. For these rail freight locomotives, SCI Verkehr conducted an assessment according to real value and earning-capacity value. Special emphasis was placed on a detailed analysis of future traffic flow and possible risks of obsolescence.

Compilation and updating of a project monitoring tool

Customer: Manufacturer of rolling stock components

For a globally active manufacturer of rolling stock components, SCI Verkehr created and is continuously updating a project monitoring tool. This monitoring tool presents the data and facts essential for success and decision making. The client receives information on relevant vehicle projects and can thus develop projects and initiate necessary product developments in good time. The latest results can be accessed at any time in a client-specific internet platform.

Market potential analysis of heavy mainline locomotives with hybrid and dual engine systems

Customer: Locomotive manufacturer

On behalf of a locomotive manufacturer, SCI Verkehr performed a market potential analysis of heavy mainline locomotives in Europe. The main emphasis was placed on new emission standards and alternative drive systems such as hybrid and dual engine solutions.

Asset Valuations Examples

Valuation of a freight wagon portfolio in Eastern Europe

Customer: Freight wagon lessor

For a leasing company, SCI Verkehr GmbH evaluated a freight wagon portfolio. Fokus for the report is an analysis of freight (wagon) markets in Eastern Europe, including the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Evaluation of a portfolio of passenger transport vehicles

Customer: Railway company

SCI Verkehr evaluated an extensive portfolio of passenger transport vehicles using the cost-based RC valuation method. The project included a valuation that took into account the technical condition of the assets as well as the current market demand.

Assessment of diesel mainline locomotives

Customer: Leasing company

In the context of purchasing used six-axle diesel mainline locomotives, SCI Verkehr assesses their current market value. Valuation is conducted by means of the income-based DCF method and encompasses a short documentation including valuation method and input parameters, market description as well as valuation results.

Public Consulting Examples

Employment Potential in Short Distance Goods Rail Traffic

Customer: Hans-Böckler-Stiftung (Hans Böckler Foundation)

Analysis of the importance of goods traffic on rail with regards to the employment situation with economically conscious options to secure employment. Suggestions offered by SCI Verkehr.

Monitoring regional rail transport tenders Germany

Customer: Transport industry association

On behalf of a transport industry association, SCI Verkehr compiles an overview of all German regional rail transport tenders from 2016 to 2025, which is updated on a regular basis. Focus is placed on current wage and social standards, in particular. The SCI DATABASE, in which all announced and expected regional rail transport tenders are compiled systematically, serves as basis for this analysis.

Updating Logistics Competence Atlas for the Ruhr District

Customer: Projekt Ruhr GmbH

The Logistics Competence Atlas for the Ruhr district clearly presents all logistics competences in the field of logistics for the Ruhr district. The atlas compiled by SCI Verkehr was presented for the first time in the summer of 2004. In May 2005, SCI updated the atlas which is being used as an instrument for site marketing. Projekt Ruhr is thereby in a position to present possible investors with an updated overview concerning the logistics site North Rhine-Westphalia in events planned for 2005 (e.g. Munich Transport Logistics).

Profitability Analyses Examples

Intercompany railway concept

Customer: Logistics company

SCI Verkehr supports an automobile manufacturer in preparing a rail transport concept for two plants in different European countries. The final results include a business plan, route analysis, rolling stock recommendations, selection of rail freight operators, feasibility of creating an own operator, and an overview of loading and unloading processes.

Market entry strategy passenger transport market

Customer: European railway company

On behalf of a railway transport company, SCI Verkehr prepares a growth strategy for the European market. In this context, specific potentials for the company in terms of PSO contracts as well as in open access are assessed with regards to feasibility and economic efficiency. All parts of value creation through transport services are considered. As a result, SCI Verkehr outlined different scenarios of market entry.

Economic assessment of automation potentials in rail operation

Customer: Rail operator

SCI Verkehr prepares a cost driver analysis for operational processes which is aimed at evaluating automation potentials in the context of feasibility assessment and, thus, at enabling an investment decision regarding the digitalisation of processes.

Process optimisations Examples

Strategic realignment of leading European freight railway

Customer: Leading European freight railway

The commissioning railway company active in European rail freight transport is in an economically strained situation with clearly decreasing market shares, declining transport services and unsatisfactory performance. Defined objectives of the company are to increase production stability, reorganise operations of sales and production as well as increasing productivity and economic improvement of selected areas of operation. SCI Verkehr was commissioned to monitor and accompany the process as expert consultant.

Circle Line / Public-Private-Partnership in public rail transport

Customer: Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr AöR (Transportation authority)

"Circle Line" is the first rail transport project in Germany to be realised primarily as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP). In a consortium comprising DEPFA BANK, the law firm Kapellmann und Partner and the engineering office Vössing GmbH, SCI Verkehr is subjecting the plans to a "PPP suitability test" and preparing the realisation of the first construction phase up to the tendering procedure. SCI Verkehr is carrying out the project management and market research as well as addressing potential interested parties.