The railway between Ghent and Terneuzen is getting a major upgrade. Where bottlenecks once slowed things down, a robust rail network will soon shape the future of sustainable freight transport. ProRail and Infrabel are in the driver’s seat, North Sea Port is on board as the director of this ambitious modal shift — the move from road to rail. Because more rail means fewer traffic jams, cleaner air, and a stronger port region for everyone.
The railway is key to the sustainable growth of our port. But to truly shift from tarmac to tracks, rail transport needs to be more appealing, reliable and efficient. Today, that ambition is held back by the limits of existing infrastructure. With the cross-border Rail Ghent–Terneuzen project, we’re boosting capacity, tackling bottlenecks and making rail the natural choice for the freight transport of tomorrow.
More goods by rail means fewer trucks on the road. That cuts CO₂ emissions, cleans the air and creates a healthier living environment.
We’re boosting rail capacity to handle tomorrow’s growth — keeping our port moving, growing and competitive.
We’re strengthening rail connections between the Netherlands and Belgium, but also the ties between people, businesses and job markets.
We’re enabling economic growth with respect for health, climate, nature and quality of life. Benefiting the entire region.
Together with railway managers ProRail (Netherlands) and Infrabel (Flanders), we’re preparing the rail network between Ghent and Terneuzen for the future. While they lead on technical implementation, North Sea Port takes the helm as coordinator and connector of this cross-border project. We bring all parties together, monitor progress and ensure clear communication with customers and local communities.
Our focus: three vital upgrades to eliminate bottlenecks and make the system stronger and more flexible.
This project is a game-changer for everyone in and around the port. We’re not just laying tracks; we’re laying the foundation for a smoother, cleaner and more resilient region.
A stronger and more reliable rail network means greater capacity, fewer delays and more certainty for our customers. It strengthens the logistics chain and boosts the competitiveness of companies across our port. That’s how we make rail an ironclad alternative to road transport.
Less freight traffic on the road means fewer jams, safer towns, cleaner air and lower noise levels. Plus, a smooth rail connection also sparks more job opportunities, as the port grows and draws in new talent.
We’re investing in future-proof infrastructure that enables sustainable economic growth. A strong multimodal port attracts new businesses and reinforces our position as a leading European logistics hub.
Ready to roll. National governments are finalising talks to officially kick off the exploration phase.
Exploration in motion. We coordinate and connect all partners on both sides of the border – from ProRail and Infrabel to the ministries in Belgium and the Netherlands. By 2028, we’ll know exactly where upgrades to the railway are needed.
All signals green! The exploration phase is done, plans are detailed and legal steps completed in both countries. Construction preparations are ready to start.
Destination reached. The new and improved rail connection is fully operational. A robust, cross-border network ready to support port growth and make freight transport more sustainable than ever.
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