In 2026, Railport will continue to take important steps to structurally strengthen the capacity, reliability, and sustainability of the rail network in and around the port. This will be achieved through targeted infrastructure investments, smart digitisation, and renewed cooperation with rail users.

From rail vision to concrete results
Railport is working on the realisation of the rail vision, which was drawn up in collaboration with Infrabel. In the coming years, this vision will be further realised through a number of key projects. An important priority is the further electrification of the rail network within the port. Electrification of the line to Oorderen was completed in 2025, and work on Line 11 to Combinant and BASF is planned for 2026.

Digitalisation: the Rail Trans Port Manager
In addition to physical infrastructure, Port of Antwerp-Bruges is also investing in digital innovation. A key example is the Rail Trans Port Manager (RTPM), an application jointly developed by specialists from Port of Antwerp-Bruges and Infrabel.

The application provides real-time insight and tracking of the status of trains and railcars from origin to destination in the port (and vice versa). Among other things, users can easily check whether shipments are proceeding according to schedule and whether any delays are occurring.

In practice
Infrabel
Currently uses Rail Trans Port Manager for better and more real-time capacity management and control of rail transport within the port. This allows them to respond more quickly to deviations and manage the use of groups or sidings more efficiently. This results in improved flow, reduced waiting times, and a smoother process.

Deep-sea terminals
Receive a real-time status overview of their relevant trains via RTPM. Among other things, they can see the expected arrival times at the port terminal and the composition of the train in terms of railcars and containers. This allows them to manage the capacity of their rail yard and staff more effectively.

Railway companies
Follow the movement of their railcars on the Antwerp-North hump yard using RTPM. This makes operations more efficient and enables deliveries to reach their destination on time.

Secure, open and confidential
The application will be open to all relevant actors in the rail logistics chain, including signal boxes at infrastructure manager Infrabel, rail companies, rail affiliates (such as deep-sea terminals and tank terminals), shippers, freight payers, and forwarders, as well as bridge and lock operators and Harbour Master’s Offices.

Security and confidentiality are paramount. Because competing companies also use the tool, access rights are strictly limited to one’s own rail traffic. This ensures that sensitive company data remains protected.

In the longer term, the application will be further expanded, including international monitoring of port-related railway transport, more comprehensive bundle management, enhanced terminal (slot) planning, and other relevant data and process support.

Part of PIONEERS
The application also aligns with the broader PIONEERS project, which is part of the European Horizon 2020 programme. The project brings together multiple European partners to develop practical solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in ports.

Re-tendering of the Rail Bundling Concept on the Left Bank of the Scheldt
Preparations are currently underway for a new tender as part of the Rail Bundling Project. This re-tender aims to appoint a rail partner for the 2027-2028 period, with an option for 2029, covering zones 1 and 2 (Canal Docks and the northern part of the port) and zones 7, 8, and 9 on the left bank of the Scheldt.

In preparation for the tender, active efforts are made to engage in dialogue with rail users. Surveys and workshops are used to assess current operations and jointly identify improvement opportunities. The positive feedback and constructive proposals from rail affiliates and freight payers not only confirm support for the bundling concept, but also underline the need for this next step.

The re-tender on the left bank of the Scheldt is particularly relevant in view of the forthcoming works under the ECA (Extra Container Capacity Antwerp) programme. Significant works are planned in the years ahead, which will inevitably lead to line interruptions. Efficient coordination and planning are essential in this regard.

As such, Railport continues to build on the principles of the rail vision, strengthening the efficiency and effectiveness of rail transport in the port.
Source: Port of Antwerp-Bruges