Large-scale improvement
ProRail is working hard to accelerate the improvement of the infrastructure in the Port of Rotterdam. All these activities are combined in the improvement programme called Infrastructure in Order for the harbour railway. Over the course of three years, we are renewing dozens of points, level crossings, and kilometres of track. At our freight yards, we are installing new fire extinguishing facilities and implementing measures to further enhance safety. We are looking for a solution to the problems of sand at the Maasvlakte and are testing a new type of axle counter.
With this large-scale improvement, we are putting everything in and around the railway in order and enabling further growth of rail freight transport.
Crucial Connection
The harbour railway is vital for the Port of Rotterdam. All goods transported to and from this harbour area arrive by ship, truck, or train. The harbour railway is the only rail connection to and from the Rotterdam harbour and is therefore crucial. It consists of one track going in each direction, with branches to yards and industrial areas. Any disruption directly affects a significant portion of rail freight transport, resulting in goods not reaching their (often European) destinations on time. Rail transport is also a sustainable form of goods transport. Therefore, there are plenty of reasons to focus on maintaining good infrastructure and fostering growth in rail freight transport.
Coordination
The harbour railway is a crucial transportation route for the Dutch economy. Many companies in the port area operate seven days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can’t simply close a major access route to an industrial area. The numerous activities under the ‘Infrastructure in Order’ initiative require effective coordination with freight transport companies, shippers, terminals, and other businesses in the harbour area.
The necessary restoration works do impact the daily operations of freight transport companies, shippers, terminals, and other businesses in the harbour area. Therefore, ProRail plans these works in close consultation with stakeholders and transport operators in the area. The approach is to carry out as much work as possible during factory shutdowns or around holidays. Additionally, efforts are made to combine the scope of works to minimise disruptions.
Good Neighbours
ProRail also collaborates on finding solutions to keep businesses accessible during the works, such as installing temporary traffic bridges or setting up alternative routes. These efforts can only be achieved through cooperation with all businesses in the harbour area, who contribute ideas and sometimes even open their premises to neighbouring companies.
Rail of the Future
Rotterdam is the largest port in Europe, handling over 400 million tons of goods per year. Currently, approximately ten percent of freight transport is carried by rail, but there is an ambition, in line with the Climate Agreement and in collaboration with the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and the Port of Rotterdam, to increase this to about twenty percent. The accessibility of the port, particularly by rail, is therefore of significant economic importance.
Rail freight transport is clean and sustainable, offering a competitive alternative to road transport. Furthermore, it helps reduce traffic congestion. ProRail is committed to enabling growth in rail freight transport in the coming years. One train can transport nearly as much goods as 56 trucks, and rail freight emits about 80 percent less CO2 compared to road transport. Additionally, an increasing number of operators are utilising hybrid locomotives, which are not only quieter than diesel locomotives but also more energy-efficient, resulting in approximately 50 percent less CO2 emissions.
All Projects
We are not only working on a reliable rail freight network in the Rotterdam harbour area. Find out here about the other projects we have in progress.
Collaboration
We are not carrying out this extensive catch-up effort alone. ProRail closely collaborates with our contractors in this endeavour.