Start signal for the construction of the Maasvlakte Zuid rail yard

On Friday, October 10, the official start signal for the construction of the Maasvlakte Zuid Rail Yard (EMZ) was given during a festive gathering at the Maasvlakte. Together with the Port of Rotterdam and ProRail, we marked this milestone in the presence of the management of the involved parties, representatives from the municipality of Rotterdam, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, and the European Parliament.

After a period of intensive preparations, the work has now actually begun. The first bundle and the connections to the existing rail infrastructure are being constructed as part of the new EMZ. The bundle will be put into use in mid-2027.

The construction of the EMZ is essential to continue facilitating the growth of rail freight transport from the Maasvlakte to the European hinterland. Container transshipment in the Port of Rotterdam is expected to continue to increase in the coming years. The import and export of containers is crucial for businesses and consumers in both the Netherlands and Europe, and thus for European prosperity.

To continue transporting this ever-increasing flow of containers efficiently to and from the hinterland, investments are being made in sustainable and efficient rail infrastructure.

To continue transporting this growing flow of containers efficiently and sustainably, investments are being made in high-quality rail infrastructure. The new Maasvlakte Zuid rail yard will consist of six staging tracks, suitable for freight trains of 740 meters in length — significantly longer than the current standard of approximately 600 meters. These longer trains offer various advantages: more containers per trip, fewer train movements, lower emissions, and a more favorable cost structure per ton of freight.

Want to know more about this special project? Visit our EMZ project page