NETHERLANDS: Six rail freight operators have signed an agreement led by the Port of Rotterdam Authority which aims to improve operational co-operation to prevent delays and cancellations on the line from Kijfhoek to Maasvlakte.
Under the Track Together agreement, Rail Force One, HSL Netherlands, DB Cargo Nederland, RTB Cargo, LTE and Rail Cargo Group – which together account for 70% of the market – can take over each other’s journeys at fixed rates in the event of capacity issues.
This aims to prevent train cancellations and long delays, and ensure that a contingency plan is immediately available to enable quick action in the event of disruption to normal operations.
The agreement sets out how trains are to be transferred, both administratively and physically, and the respective responsibilities of both the principal and the contractor. Journeys are booked via the PortFlow app developed by RailApp.
The pilot scheme runs for an initial seven months from April 1. If it proves successful, it will be continued on a permanent basis.
