Starting January 1, 2024, there will be a significant reorganization of train traffic in the Antwerp port area, particularly for Single Wagon Load operations. The new operational model, introduced by Railport, is designed to be neutral and accessible to all interested parties. The recent outcome of the tendering process, conducted to streamline this traffic, marks a crucial step in realizing the port’s rail vision, aiming for enhanced efficiency and improved services.
The complexity of efficiently managing the first and last-mile traffic in the port area arises from the anticipated growth in rail traffic and the multitude of rail operators, each with its unique operational model. Currently lacking collaboration among these operators, the rail traffic faces challenges, including limited infrastructure and bottlenecks such as bridges over locks. Railport’s initiative seeks to overcome these hurdles by strategically organizing zones based on consolidated volumes, optimizing operations, and conducting tenders for the first and last mile in each zone.
Railport’s goal is to make first-mile and last-mile traffic more accessible to both rail operators and freight payers, countering fragmentation and enhancing transparency. The recent tendering results have identified the selected operators for various zones, including Lineas for Kanaaldokken and Buitenschoor, Railtraxx for Bevrijdingsdok, Oosterweel, Deep Sea, and WLH, and DB Cargo for Oorderen. An individualized solution tailored to each freight payer will be applied in the Old Port area. The neutral services offered by the selected operators are open to all interested parties, enabling even those who did not participate in the initial tendering process to join and benefit from the project.
Image source: https://newsroom.portofantwerpbruges.com/more-sustainable-and-efficient-operational-model-for-single-wagon-load-in-antwerp-port-area