K+S keeps relying on environmentally friendly rail transportation

Europe's largest potash fertilizer producer has been relying on environmentally friendly rail transportation with DB Cargo for many years. Within Europe and to the seaports, rail freight transportation is the preferred option for K+S: Each year, well over 200,000 truck journeys are avoided by rail logistics.

DB Cargo currently transports six million tonnes a year for K+S, which accounts for around 80 percent of the raw materials group's total rail transportation. A total volume of around 70 million tonnes has been agreed for the contract term of the next ten years.

Dr. Sigrid Evelyn Nikutta, Chairwoman of the Board of Executive Directors of DB Cargo AG: “Potash salts and other mineral raw materials from K+S make our lives easier. K+S fertilizers and other ingredients are the basis of many products for agriculture, medicine, and industry. As DB Cargo, we provide climate-friendly and safe logistics for K+S by rail. I'm therefore pleased to start the next chapter in this long-standing success story - K+S saves more than 200,000 truck journeys every year due to DB Cargo's rail freight services.”

Dr. Burkhard Lohr, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of K+S AG: "When transporting our products, we continue to rely on environmentally friendly modes of transportation. DB Cargo is a reliable partner for us who will guarantee us high availability of freight cars in the long term and integrate innovative rail car technology into existing transportation."

The contract also involves modernization and expansion of the freight car fleet. From mid-2025, DB Cargo will procure a total of 650 new bulk freight cars (type Tanoos). These rail cars are particularly well suited for transporting K+S products.

DB Cargo handles rail logistics for K+S at the Sehnde, Zielitz, Bernburg, Werra, and Neuhof sites. For K+S, DB Cargo transports the majority of goods on the Werra and Neuhof routes to Hamburg and from Zielitz to Hamburg. From the port of Hamburg, K+S products are shipped to various international markets, among others.

DB Cargo AG is the freight transportation division of Deutsche Bahn and Europe's leading freight railroad. More than 30,000 employees transport around 20,000 trains per week through 18 countries in Europe. The annual operating performance replaces up to 22 million truck journeys. DB Cargo's freight trains therefore already save the environment seven million tonnes of CO₂.

Around 60 percent of rail transportation crosses at least one national border and is therefore provided within Europe. DB Cargo has more than 4,200 customer connections across Europe. With around 78,000 freight cars and 2,700 locomotives, DB Cargo has the largest fleet of rail vehicles in Europe.

We make an important contribution to society: We enable farmers securing the world's food supply. Our products keep numerous industries running. We enrich consumers' daily lives and ensure safety in winter. With around 11,000 employees, production sites on two continents, and a global distribution network, we are a reliable partner for our customers. At the same time, we are realigning ourselves: We are focusing even more strongly than before on fertilizers and specialties. We are becoming leaner, more cost-efficient, more digital, and more performance-oriented. On a solid financial basis, we are tapping into new markets and business models. We are committed to our responsibility towards society and the environment in all regions in which we operate.