HELROM

HELROM GmbH, established in 2017 by Roman Noack, is a German freight technology company focused on decarbonizing European supply chains. The company developed and patented a barrier-free and terminal-free technology for loading semi-trailers onto rail wagons. This system allows loaded semi-trailers to be driven parallel to the wagon and then swung horizontally onto the rail car using a hydraulically powered cradle, eliminating the need for cranes or other terminal infrastructure. The process is designed to be quick, enabling the loading of an entire train in approximately two hours.

The company's core product is the "Helrom Trailer Wagon," which enables the efficient transfer of goods from road to rail, aiming to make rail freight as simple and flexible as road transport. This approach addresses the challenge of moving the 400 million tonnes of goods transported annually by truck over long distances in Europe onto more environmentally friendly rail networks. By shifting freight from road to rail, Helrom's technology contributes to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions, with a single wagon saving up to 25 tons of CO2 per year. The business model involves operating its own freight train service, which started with a connection between Vienna and Düsseldorf in 2021. This service allows freight forwarders and logistics companies to transport their standard semi-trailers by rail without needing specialized equipment.

The company has secured significant financial backing to support its growth. In 2024, HELROM raised €15 million in a Series A funding round, which included participation from the European investment bank and private investors, to expand its wagon fleet and develop new routes. This funding is aimed at increasing the number of its specialized wagons from 44 to over 100 by 2025. Keywords: rail freight, logistics technology, semi-trailer transport, intermodal transport, decarbonization, supply chain, freight wagon, horizontal loading, rail logistics, sustainable transport