ProRail awards contract for Rotterdam rail freight terminal upgrade
Dutch railway infrastructure manager ProRail has awarded VolkerRail the contract to redevelop the Waalhaven Zuid rail freight yard in Rotterdam, advancing a project designed to increase capacity for freight trains serving the port.
The contract was signed on 15 October 2026, with construction activities scheduled to begin towards the end of the year and continue until late 2028.
The redevelopment will provide additional infrastructure for freight trains up to 740 metres long, alongside expanded locomotive parking facilities and further electrification of the railway network.
Expanded capacity for freight trains
The upgraded Waalhaven Zuid facility will include six operational tracks capable of accommodating 740-metre container and freight trains. These tracks will support shunting, loading, unloading and train stabling activities.
The project will also create 12 additional locomotive parking positions and introduce improved separation between secured and unsecured operational areas.
According to ProRail, the changes are intended to support safer and more efficient train movements and shunting operations while increasing the facility’s ability to handle rail freight.
Existing railway infrastructure will be renewed and further electrified as part of the redevelopment.
Construction to continue until 2028
Preparations for the project have involved several challenges, including limited available space, technical requirements, permits and environmental considerations.
Agreements with the Municipality of Rotterdam and the Port of Rotterdam Authority will allow the contractor to use additional land temporarily during construction.
ProRail and VolkerRail will continue developing the construction programme, with the objective of maintaining freight rail operations as far as possible throughout the works.
Rail operators, shippers and other stakeholders will receive information about planned activities and potential disruptions.
The project also receives funding support from the European Commission.
Once completed, the redevelopment is expected to strengthen Waalhaven Zuid’s capacity to accommodate longer freight trains and support rail freight connections to and from the Port of Rotterdam.
