Railport: intra-port rail transport
Railport, a joint initiative by Port of Antwerp-Bruges, essenscia, Alfaport Voka and MLSO, seeks to double rail transport in the port by establishing a transparent, high-quality and cost-effective rail service. In collaboration with Infrabel, it turns the vision for rail into concrete actions and, acting as a neutral party, delivers advice and solutions to all stakeholders.
Vision for rail
Freight transport in Belgium and Europe is set to rise by almost a quarter by 2030 Achieving a modal shift from road to rail requires both a strong rail infrastructure and a clear, coherent vision. That’s important, as a single cargo train removes an average of 50 trucks from the road.
The vision for rail rests on seven key pillars (or streams) to make it possible. It guides Railport and Infrabel in promoting rail transport in the port and keeping it running smoothly.
Last Mile Solutions
Rail traffic in the port is increasing, but infrastructure for the first and last legs of transport (First & Last Mile) remains limited. Effective collaboration between rail carriers helps prevent the fragmented delivery of wagons. This results in cost savings, a reduced ecological footprint, and a lower entry threshold for new rail transport operators in the port.
Railport is tackling this by dividing the port into Operational Zones. In each zone, one rail operator will be designated as the preferred partner for First & Last Mile transport. This will result in more efficient operations, greater transparency and fair competition between rail companies.
More information about which zones have been designated, which railway companies are involved and how exactly this works can be found on the Rail Bundling page.
The project is open to all. Other shippers or rail operators may also join, provided it is practically feasible. Transparency and cooperation are key.
Leaflet for rail transport
12/5/2025
On the Port of Antwerp-Bruges website, you will find an updated version of the rail map, with some useful information, for the Antwerp and Zeebrugge platforms.
DownloadInvestments and remediation
Railport delivers the necessary investments and rehabilitation of rail infrastructure within the port area, aligned with the vision for rail. The goal is to strengthen the modal shift in zones with the greatest growth potential. The investments aim to maintain the most frequently used infrastructure and prepare the port for future transport demand.
Investments made
- The Liefkenshoek rail connection
- The construction of railway infrastructure at the Kieldrecht Lock
- The electrification of ten additional railway tracks in bundle South
Planned investments
In Antwerp
- Several key investments are essential to the success of the ECA project
- Electrification and construction of a second railway track on the L11 line.
- New electrified bundle West 8 railway tracks
- Transformation of L211
- Renewal of control systems and switches at the Antwerp North shunting yard
- Optimising the performance of switches at the Oorderen bundle
- Electrification of three railway tracks and renewal of the points at the Oorderen bundle
- Fencing of the canal docks and the Rhodesia site, along with the electrification of five railway tracks in Oorderen
- Reconstruction of the railway track and bridge deck on the Lillo Bridge
- Redevelopment of Oosterweel island
In Zeebrugge
- The optimisation and extension of the Pelikaan bundle
- Expansion of the Zwankendamme bundle
- The construction of railways at the new lock.
Railport aims to establish rail as a fully-fledged mode of transport to and from the port by providing high-quality, cost-effective and transparent services within the port.
Nils van Vliet, Managing Director,Railport
Digitalisation
Achieving the objectives for rail transport requires extensive digitalisation. Railport therefore provides the necessary digital platforms and applications.
RTP Manager
Together with Infrabel, Port of Antwerp-Bruges developed the Rail Trans Port Manager. This digital application allows you to track your rail cargo in real time. Clear lists make it easy to check the status. This provides quicker visibility of any deviations or problems that may arise en route.
Initially, Infrabel will use the tool to better coordinate activities across the transport chain, respond more quickly to potential disruptions, and monitor and manage the use of groups of sidings. In the next phase, we will further expand the RTP Manager with features such as international freight tracking, GPS data integration, terminal lock functions, and more.
Frequently asked questions
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Contact our experts
Railport's team consists of specialists with broad experience in rail and port logistics. Together, they form a multidisciplinary team with all the expertise needed to address today’s and tomorrow’s rail challenges in the port. Engage their expertise for:
Tailored advice
Every rail challenge is unique. That’s why Railport offers advice tailored to your specific situation. We think along, pinpoint issues and deliver practical solutions. Practical, knowledgeable, and always attentive to real-world conditions.
Consultancy for rail projects
Are you planning to integrate rail transport into your logistics chain? Or do you need support in developing a complex rail project? Railport offers specialised consulting tailored to your project, backed by in-depth knowledge of rail infrastructure and port operations.
Operational support
An effective rail project extends well beyond the planning phase. Railport also provides support for operational implementation and day-to-day management. We ensure smooth coordination between all parties involved and help you to run processes efficiently, safely and according to plan.
