UIP’s 75th Anniversary Summit Sets the Pace for Rail Freight Transformation

The International Union of Wagon Keepers (UIP), in collaboration with FAPROVE, is hosting the UIP Keepers Summit 2025 in Valencia, celebrating both a strategic moment for the rail industry and UIP's 75th anniversary. RAILTARGET is, as expected, at the scene.

The event, held from May 22 to 23 at the SH Valencia Palace, brought together public authorities, logistics operators, infrastructure managers, and wagon keepers to advance the goals of intermodality and sustainable rail transport across Europe.

The summit comes at a time when Spain is seeking to dramatically increase its rail freight modal share from 4% to over 10% by 2030, aligning with EU climate and connectivity objectives. With sessions dedicated to TEN-T corridors, digital automatic coupling (DAC), and rolling highway innovations, the programme captured both the technical and policy dimensions of Europe's rail freight transformation.

A Strategic Line-up of Experts and Stakeholders

The event opened with remarks from Spain's Ministry of Transport, followed by keynote contributions from UIP President Johann Feindert and FAPROVE President Julián Gacinmartin. Panels throughout the day will feature high-profile speakers including José Antonio Sebastián and Josep Vicent Boira, Spanish Commissioners for the Atlantic and Mediterranean Corridors respectively.

In the TEN-T Corridors and the Status Quo in Spain session, moderated by UIP Secretary General Gilles Peterhans, corridor strategies will be examined in light of upcoming EU targets. This will be followed by a rolling highway panel led by Antonio Martínez, Deputy Director at Transporte XXI, where Mar Chao, President of the Port of Valencia, emphasized the port's role in driving modal shift. Juan Carlos Arocas of TRANS ITALIA and Carlos Omaña of VTG Spain & Portugal is going to provide operator perspectives on network readiness and asset deployment.

Focusing on Intermodality and Innovation

Intermodality is taking centre stage in the midday session moderated by Aitor Vieco, Director at El Mercantil, where panellists will discuss the regulatory and business dynamics shaping multimodal freight. Jaime González of EWALS, Xavier Jaso of AECOC, and Nuria Lacaci of ACE will focus on the importance of harmonised standards and investment certainty.

The afternoon will be marked by a live demonstration of DAC by VOITH, showcasing the practical rollout of digital automatic coupling technology in front of industry leaders. Matheus Habets and Niklas Weichert from VOITH will present how DAC will not only enhance operational safety and efficiency but also serve as the backbone for future digital freight rail systems.

From Networking to Policy Alignment

Networking is a consistent thread throughout the event, with structured opportunities such as a welcome coffee, lunch at La Terracita del Palace, and a gala dinner at the Oceanogràfic. The format allows for close exchange between policymakers and companies on actionable steps for improving interoperability and infrastructure.

The 75th anniversary of UIP added symbolic weight to the gathering. With past summits hosted in cities such as Vienna, Nice, and Venice, Valencia is serving as a fitting venue to reflect on UIP's legacy and chart a renewed strategic direction. 

About UIP: The International Union of Wagon Keepers (UIP) represents over 250 private wagon keepers and entities responsible for nearly 200,000 freight wagons across Europe. Each year, UIP organises the Keepers Summit in a different European city to foster collaboration and innovation in rail freight. Previous editions have taken place in Vienna, Nice, and Venice — with Valencia hosting the landmark 75th anniversary summit in 2025.