Since 2024, Railport, with the support of industry associations and shippers, has been coordinating the transport of single wagons and block trains in fixed zones in the port of Antwerp-Bruges. The company appoints a specific rail operator for each zone to serve the “first and last mile” sections. This approach has already resulted in increased efficiency, improved utilisation of port infrastructure and easier access to rail for small volumes.
From 1 January 2026, the services in zones 1–5 and 6B will be operated by Lineas, zone 6A will be operated by HSL Belgium and the operating zones 7–9 will remain with Railtraxx, as before. The decision to retain the current operators in some zones is based on their positive performance. A new round of tenders for these sections will start in January 2026.
The model implemented by Railport has proven highly effective: through centralised wagon coordination, it has been possible to significantly increase capacity, use longer trains and improve interaction between all participants. Railport, founded by the Port of Antwerp-Bruges together with essenscia, Alfaport Voka and MLSO, aims to double the share of rail transport in the structure of port traffic in the coming years.