Work begins on Maasvlakte Zuid Railway Yard

The project is being developed by the Port of Rotterdam Authority in collaboration with ProRail and Swietelsky Rail Benelux.

The first phase involves building an initial set of six sidings, each capable of handling freight trains up to 740 metres in length. This is significantly longer than the current standard of 600 metres, allowing for greater cargo volume per train, reduced emissions and lower costs per tonne of freight.

Commissioning of this phase is scheduled for mid-2027. Three additional sets of sidings may follow, depending on future freight transport demand.

The EMZ railway yard plays a key role in resolving existing capacity bottlenecks on the port railway line and is part of a broader development plan running until 2040.

The plan also includes electrification upgrades, track modifications and the construction of through tracks to enhance overall rail infrastructure performance.

This development supports the port authority’s long-term strategy to shift more container transport from road to rail, reducing CO2, NOx and particulate emissions. It also aims to improve the reliability of inland transport, especially during times of low water levels that impact inland waterway shipping.

Efficient rail connections are vital for economic competitiveness and align with the EU’s Trans-European Transport Network goals.