Rail operators take a unique step towards closer cooperation on the Port Railway Line in Rotterdam

Air Products is building a new liquid hydrogen facility in the Rotterdam port area. Now over 65% complete and expected to be operational in 2027, the facility will become the largest of its kind in Europe. This development strengthens the existing Rotterdam hydrogen hub.

The new plant significantly expands Europe’s supply of liquid hydrogen, supporting growing demand from sectors such as electronics manufacturing, space applications, industrial processing, (road) mobility, maritime applications, aviation and emerging energy markets. Integrated with Air Products’ existing hydrogen network in the Rotterdam industrial cluster, the facility will supply off takers across the Benelux, France, Germany, and the UK.

“As Europe’s largest port and a key energy hub, Rotterdam is committed to enabling the development of Europe’s hydrogen economy,” said Boudewijn Siemons, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority. “Air Products’ investment strengthens the infrastructure needed for industrial decarbonization and ensures a reliable, locally available hydrogen supply for businesses across the region.”

An agreement to improve operational cooperation 

On the other hand An agreement to improve operational cooperation on the Port Railway Line has been signed by six rail operators – Rail Force One, HSL Netherlands, DB Cargo Nederland, RTB Cargo, LTE and Rail Cargo Group. The Port of Rotterdam Authority is leading the agreement

The so-called 'shunting agreement

This so-called 'shunting agreement' enables the rail operators, who together account for 70% of the market, to take over each other’s journeys at fixed rates in the event of capacity issues. This form of cooperation is intended to prevent train cancellations and long delays. Furthermore, this collaboration ensures that a contingency plan is immediately available in the event of deviations from standard timetables, enabling trains to be taken over quickly. Terminals will benefit because their tracks will be cleared in good time, even in the event of disruptions, allowing scheduled trains to run as planned. The partnership, known as ‘Track Together’, will launch on 1 April 2026 as a seven-month pilot scheme. If the programme proves successful, it will continue on a permanent basis

The basis for safe, efficient and effective cooperation

.A shunting agreement is vital for ensuring that everyone involved in work on the entire Port Railway Line – from Kijfhoek to the Maasvlakte and vice versa, including all intermediate stations and terminals – has clarity and certainty. It sets out how trains are to be transferred, both administratively and physically, as well as the respective responsibilities of the principal and contractor. Thus, the shunting agreement forms the basis for safe, efficient and effective cooperation throughout the port area.

Related : Port of Rotterdam Authority 2025 Annual Report

Track Together 

Track Together strengthens cooperation between rail operators in the Port of Rotterdam. By facilitating the sharing of information, the platform helps ensure more efficient operations and a more reliable rail network for all stakeholders, said Jordy Hermes, Product Design Specialist at LTE.

Martin van der Linden, Production Manager at HSL, adds that 'Track Together will enable transport operators to collaborate more efficiently via the platform in the event of disruptions at the Port of Rotterdam, thereby ensuring better utilisation of capacity'.

The 'PortFlow' app

The 'PortFlow' app is used to book journeys. RailApp developed the app with the support of the Port of Rotterdam Authority and the Topcorridors programme. During the pilot period, the app developer, the Port Authority and the rail operators will meet monthly to review the collaboration. This is the first time various rail operators have collaborated in this way in the Port of Rotterdam.

About : Port of Rotterdam

The Port of Rotterdam is Europe's largest seaport and industrial hub, located in the Netherlands. Stretching 40 kilometers, it acts as a major gateway to Europe, handling over 400 million tonnes of cargo annually through advanced container, bulk, and liquid terminals. It is a global hub for petrochemicals and, increasingly, green energy initiatives

# Port of Rotterdam #PortFlow' app #Martin van der Linden #Track Together #Jordy Hermes #.A shunting agreement #Boudewijn Siemons #Air Products #Europe’s supply#hydrogen #DB Cargo Nederland,