From 1 January 2024, there will be a reorganisation of train traffic in the Antwerp port region. A new operational model, applicable to all interested parties, will be implemented for Single Wagon Load.
Port operating company in Antwerp Railport initiated a tendering process to consolidate this traffic, and the successful bidders have been identified.
Effectively managing the initial and final segments of transportation within the port zone poses a considerable challenge. Primarily, the expansion of rail traffic is anticipated.
Complicating matters further, numerous rail operators operate independently, each adhering to its distinct operational approach. Presently, there is a lack of coordination among these entities. The entirety of rail traffic must navigate the constrained rail infrastructure, encountering obstacles like the limited capacity of bridges over the locks.
The arrivals of railcars are numerous and dispersed, leading to a significant rise in costs and adverse environmental effects.
Enhanced coordination of railcar deliveries and pickups, along with consolidating these processes within the port region, can result in substantial improvements in efficiency and sustainability. This approach enables the use of longer trains instead of numerous shorter ones.
Nils van Vliet, CEO of Railport, said, “Although this was not an easy exercise, we are extremely happy with the result and with the huge support and backing from the industry and freight payers. Without their support we would not have succeeded. The project shows that together we can effectively change things by joining forces.”
In order to achieve this, Railport has divided the port into zones based on consolidated volumes and operational optimisation. On that basis, Railport has organised a tender for the first and last mile in each zone. It received a mandate for this from freight payers in these zones.
