Railport enhances rail transport efficiency in the Port of Antwerp Bruges
- barboraarendasova
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
In 2026, Railport will continue to strengthen the capacity, reliability, and sustainability of the rail network in and around the port through targeted infrastructure investments, smart digitisation, and renewed collaboration with rail users. Railport’s rail vision, developed in partnership with Infrabel, is moving from planning to action. Key priorities for the coming year include further electrification of the port’s rail network. Following the completion of the Oorderen line in 2025, work on Line 11 to Combinant and BASF is scheduled for 2026, enhancing both efficiency and environmental performance.
Digital Innovation: Rail Trans Port Manager (RTPM)
Beyond physical infrastructure, Port of Antwerp-Bruges is investing in digital solutions to optimise rail operations. A flagship example is the Rail Trans Port Manager (RTPM), jointly developed with Infrabel.
RTPM provides real-time visibility of train and railcar movements within the port and beyond. Users can monitor shipment schedules, track potential delays, and optimise rail yard operations.
Infrabel leverages RTPM for real-time capacity management, enabling rapid response to deviations and more efficient use of sidings, resulting in smoother flows and reduced waiting times.
Deep-sea terminals gain insight into train arrival times and composition, improving rail yard and staff planning.
Railway companies track movements on the Antwerp-North hump yard, enabling on-time deliveries and operational efficiency.
Security and confidentiality are core design principles. Access is strictly limited to a user’s own traffic, ensuring sensitive commercial data is protected, even within a shared platform. Future enhancements will expand RTPM capabilities to international monitoring, advanced bundle management, terminal slot planning, and broader data integration.
RTPM is also part of PIONEERS, a European Horizon 2020 initiative that brings together partners to develop solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in port operations.
Rail Bundling Concept: Re-tendering on the Left Bank
Preparations are underway for the re-tendering of the Rail Bundling Project for the 2027–2029 period, covering key zones on the left bank of the Scheldt. In preparation, Railport is engaging rail users through surveys and workshops to identify operational improvements. Feedback has reinforced the value of the bundling concept and highlighted opportunities for further efficiency gains.
The re-tender is particularly critical in light of upcoming Extra Container Capacity Antwerp (ECA) works, which will cause temporary line interruptions. Effective coordination and planning will be essential to maintain seamless rail operations.
By combining strategic infrastructure investments, digital innovation, and close collaboration with stakeholders, Railport continues to turn its rail vision into tangible results, enhancing the efficiency, resilience, and sustainability of port rail transport.
Image source: portofantwerpbruges.com
