On behalf of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, Swietelsky will deliver the first phase of Maasvlakte Zuid (EMZ)—a new rail yard—between 2025 and 2027, as part of the “Logistics Vision for Rail Freight” programme, in cooperation with ProRail and with CEF funding.

The construction of the EMZ is necessary to facilitate the growth of rail freight transport from Maasvlakte to the European hinterland. It will resolve the current capacity bottleneck. For Rotterdam’s position in the European hinterland, a reliable and competitive rail product is indispensable. Container throughput in the Port of Rotterdam will continue to grow steadily in the coming years. To ensure that the increasing flow of containers can continue to be transported to the hinterland efficiently, the Port of Rotterdam Authority, ProRail and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management are investing in sustainable and efficient rail development.

Project update - March / april 2026

Over the past few weeks, a great deal of work has been carried out on the new railway line. The outline of the railway infrastructure is becoming clearly visible at Maasvlakte Zuid. Part of the ballast bed has been laid, work on installing the overhead lines is in full swing, and a large proportion of the points have already been laid.

Project update – February 2026

From sand flats to a future-proof rail yard: the first visible steps have been taken at Maasvlakte Zuid Rail Yard.

Where there was only sand a few months ago, the first metres of new track are now in place. The foundations and masts for the first overhead line gantries have also been erected. In early February, the first turnouts were installed for the Maasvlakte Zuid rail yard. The turnouts, each weighing more than 30 tonnes, were lifted into position using a mobile crane. This is precision work, with the turnouts installed to millimetre accuracy. Another 30 turnouts to go.

Project update – January 2026

After the first months of earthworks, we are now moving into the build phase. This means bringing in large quantities of materials—and we are doing so as sustainably as possible.

To limit CO₂ emissions, we transport construction materials such as track ballast, sleepers, rails and turnouts by ship to the Rhenus Deep Sea Terminal on Antarcticaweg. From there, the materials are transported by road to the site. In this way, we make optimal use of inland shipping and reduce the number of road transport kilometres. 

 The scale of this project in figures: 

• 50,000 tonnes of track ballast
• 17,079 sleepers
• 22,248 metres of rails (618 pieces of 36 metres)
• 34 turnouts
• 13 kilometres of overhead line equipment

A major logistics operation, where sustainability and efficiency go hand in hand. This way, we are building not only infrastructure, but also a future-proof rail freight system.

Project scope

This first phase of the EMZ project includes the construction of the first group of six tracks and various connections to the existing rail infrastructure. The new rail yard is needed to accommodate the increasing flow of freight by rail between Maasvlakte and the European hinterland. The first track group is scheduled to enter service in mid-2027. Swietelsky Rail Benelux B.V. is responsible for the construction of:

• Track group 1: 12 km of track including 25 kV overhead line equipment (OLE);
• 34 turnouts;
• Two relay houses for approximately 100 new axle counters;
• One AT station;
• A 23 kV power supply route for train protection and yard systems;
• Emergency access roads and 8 level crossings;
• Firefighting facilities;
• Yard systems such as access gates, fencing, CCTV and lighting;
• Adjustments to water management and the creation of a new dune area.

Achieving climate targets

The construction of EMZ aligns with the Port Authority’s ambition to promote rail freight transport. Rail freight has lower emissions of CO₂, NOₓ and particulate matter than road transport. This supports the EU Green Deal climate targets, which aim to reduce transport emissions by 55% by 2030 and by 90% by 2050. 

The development of EMZ helps the Port of Rotterdam Authority reduce CO₂ emissions from hinterland and continental transport by 30% by 2030, in line with the Dutch Climate Agreement. With EMZ in place, the Port Authority expects to enable the formation of an additional 6,750 trains per year between Maasvlakte and the hinterland. This is equivalent to replacing 675,000 truck journeys annually. 

Optimising rail freight transport

The Port of Rotterdam Authority and ProRail have developed the “Logistieke Visie Havenspoor 2050”. This vision provides insight into future capacity bottlenecks on the Port Railway Line and how they can be addressed. Up to 2040, a number of infrastructure projects are planned to increase rail accessibility to Maasvlakte and to optimise and decarbonise logistics processes. These projects will be delivered in phases in cooperation with ProRail. In addition to the construction of EMZ, the C2 curve will be modified and further electrification of the Port Railway Line will be pursued.

The project from above

Follow the progress of the Maasvlakte Zuid Rail Yard project from the air.