Port of Ostend launches first car train, boosts focus on sustainable transport
The Port of Ostend welcomed its first-ever car train on Thursday, marking a renewed focus on sustainable transport and reducing road traffic. It also revives block train operations in the port area after a 15-year hiatus.
The train arrived at the Tillbury terminal, carrying between 200 and 250 cars. The port plans to make this a regular service, linking Ostend by rail to various destinations across Europe. “This is an additional modality that we can add. It is something we offer to better anchor the customer in Ostend,” said Dirk Declerck, CEO of the Port of Ostend.
Video shows the arrival of a cargo train loaded with cars in the port of Oostende, on Thursday 15 May 2025. The port authority aims to schedule three “car-trains” per week to alleviate traffic congestion on the road.
© BELGA VIDEO MAAIKE TIJSSENS
The aim is to receive three trains per week, about one every two days. Declerck noted that the new train service is designed to fit seamlessly into existing road and maritime traffic. “Various scenarios have been considered in connection with regular traffic. We can operate the bridges here ourselves. This way, everything can be coordinated with regular traffic and shipping traffic. The impact will be minimal,” he said. “The intention is to use trains in consultation with the partners in the early morning, preferably before the morning rush hour.”
Revival of block trains
In addition to car trains, the port is also reactivating block trains, which are freight trains tailored for specific customers. “That is important for sustainability, both in terms of transport and employment,” Declerck said.
Boosting local jobs
Rail transport is also seen as an opportunity to stimulate local employment. “We certainly want to further expand employment here. There is a large pool of people who can get started because of the unemployment in Ostend. We see that as an asset rather than a disadvantage,” said Declerck.
Collaboration with Infrabel
To make this possible, the port partnered with railway infrastructure manager Infrabel over the past year and a half to reactivate existing tracks. The two organisations are now exploring further rail development opportunities within the port area. “Ostend is an important economic pole. Rail is the future,” said Infrabel CEO Benoît Gilson. “Focusing on rail freight transport, the so-called modal shift, means a great added value and it also shows a good vision of the port authority.”
#FlandersNewsService | Inauguration of first car train in Port of Ostend, on Thursday 15 May 2025.
© BELGA PHOTO MAAIKE TIJSSENS
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