Six major rail operators—Rail Force One, HSL Netherlands, DB Cargo Nederland, RTB Cargo, LTE, and Rail Cargo Group—have signed a landmark shunting agreement to improve operational efficiency on the Port Railway Line. Led by the Port of Rotterdam Authority, this collaboration involves companies that collectively represent 70% of the market. The initiative aims to prevent train cancellations and minimize long delays by allowing operators to take over each other’s journeys at fixed rates during capacity shortages.
The agreement establishes a formal framework for the administrative and physical transfer of trains, clearly defining responsibilities between principals and contractors. Central to this cooperation is the “Track Together” platform and the “PortFlow” app, developed by RailApp with support from the Port of Rotterdam Authority and the Topcorridors programme. These digital tools enable more effective information sharing and streamlined booking of journeys, ensuring better utilization of existing rail capacity across the port area.
This unique partnership marks the first time multiple rail operators have collaborated in such a capacity within the Port of Rotterdam. During the initial pilot phase, the developers and participating operators will meet monthly to evaluate the effectiveness of the cooperation and the performance of the PortFlow application. The initiative is designed to create a more reliable rail network and enhance the overall competitiveness of rail transport in and out of the port.