As global trade enters the digital era, seamless integration between seaports and railways has become more crucial than ever. Navis, a subsidiary of Cargotec Corporation, is building a comprehensive digital ecosystem for global freight supply chains through strategic acquisitions, with its recent purchase of Biarri Rail's assets marking a significant expansion into inland transportation solutions.
Navis: A Global Leader in Operational Technology
Navis specializes in providing operational technology and services for global freight supply chains. The company focuses on helping seaports, terminals, and other freight organizations enhance operational efficiency through technological innovation. Its solutions include Terminal Operating Systems (TOS), Equipment Control Systems (ECS), and various optimization tools designed to streamline operations from vessel docking to cargo departure.
Biarri Rail: Specializing in Rail Freight Optimization
Headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, Biarri Rail develops planning and scheduling optimization software for freight railways. Its integrated suite of service design and operational tools helps rail operators manage complex rail planning, improve asset utilization, enhance service delivery, and significantly reduce operational costs. The company serves global clients including Kansas City Southern Railroad, Aurizon, Pacific National, TasRail, and Rio Tinto.
Strategic Benefits of the Acquisition
The acquisition of Biarri Rail offers Navis several strategic advantages:
- Expanded inland solutions: Integration of Biarri Rail's optimization software extends Navis's capabilities into inland transportation.
- Enhanced intermodal efficiency: Combining Biarri Rail's software with Navis's N4 TOS enables seamless port-rail integration for optimized train services, locomotives, yards, railcars, crew, and route planning.
- Strengthened market position: The acquisition reinforces Navis's leadership in global freight supply chain solutions.
- Technical synergies: Biarri Rail's rail optimization expertise complements Navis's terminal operations experience to deliver innovative solutions.
Post-Acquisition Operations
Following the acquisition, Biarri Rail's teams will continue operating from their Melbourne and Chicago offices under existing leadership to maintain business continuity and leverage their specialized knowledge.
Navis's Growth Strategy
This acquisition follows Navis's purchase of Jade Logistics Master Terminal, demonstrating its commitment to building a comprehensive global freight supply chain platform through strategic acquisitions and technology integration.
Executive Perspective
Navis Chief Strategy Officer Andy Barrons highlighted Biarri Rail's SaaS solutions that optimize asset utilization for intermodal rail companies, delivering significant ROI. Navis plans global distribution of these solutions while continuing its acquisition strategy to better serve shipping, container terminal, and intermodal rail markets.
Biarri Rail's Comprehensive Solutions
Biarri Rail addresses key rail operator challenges through:
- Network strategy and design optimization
- Timetable development for maximum asset utilization
- Resource optimization for locomotives, railcars and crew
- Capacity planning for future demand
- Real-time execution monitoring
Supporting Ports During COVID-19
Navis has assisted North American ports in transitioning to remote operations during the pandemic by implementing remote solution upgrades and enabling virtual execution of ship planning, yard planning and related tasks.
This strategic acquisition represents a significant step in Navis's mission to create a digital ecosystem for global freight supply chains, combining maritime and rail optimization to drive efficiency, reduce costs and improve service as international trade continues to evolve.