The Port of Rotterdam Authority, in partnership with ProRail and Swietelsky Rail Benelux, officially launched construction of the new Maasvlakte Zuid (EMZ) freight station. The ceremony was attended by representatives of the City of Rotterdam, the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, and the European Parliament. The first phase of the project involves the construction of six tracks, each designed for 740-meter-long trains, and their connection to the existing rail network. Commissioning of the first phase is scheduled for mid-2027.
The new Maasvlakte Zuid station will be a key element of the rail infrastructure, supporting increased freight volumes between the port and the European hinterland. Longer trains will allow for the transport of more containers per trip, reducing emissions and lowering freight costs. The project, supported by the Ministry of Infrastructure, aims to improve the efficiency and sustainability of freight traffic between the port and the European hinterland.
The Maasvlakte Zuid is part of the Port of Rotterdam’s long-term rail development program through 2040, which also includes electrifying new sections, constructing additional tracks, and implementing digital solutions to increase throughput. These measures will redistribute freight flows, reduce congestion on highways, and strengthen Rotterdam’s position as a major transport hub in Europe.