NETHERLANDS: Siemens Mobility has completed a €110m project to increase efficiency and reduce handling times at the largest rail freight yard in the country.
The company has deployed its Trackguard Cargo MSR32 yard automation system at the 50 ha Kijfhoek site southeast of Rotterdam, which has 14 arrival tracks, 41 sorting tracks and 12 stabling sidings.
Designed to optimise all operations from arrival to departure, the automation programme covers route and speed control units, retarders, propelling systems and radio-based high-precision control of hump shunting locomotives.
The modernisation project will be followed by a 15-year maintenance service agreement.
Infrastructure and track renewal works were undertaken by Dura Vermeer.
‘The modernisation of Kijfhoek demonstrates how intelligent automation transforms rail freight operations’, said Jens Nordmann, Head of Mainline at Siemens Mobility, on June 2. ‘We are significantly enhancing operational efficiency and thus setting new standards for sustainable freight transport in Europe.’
Infrastructure manager ProRail said the project will equip the site for the next 15 years of operation.
‘Now fully renewed, our freight yard facility near Rotterdam is not only fast and efficient, it also strengthens its position as a key freight hub connecting the port of Rotterdam with other European industrial centres’, said Helga Cuijpers, Regional Director for Randstad South.
