Port of Rotterdam Authority and ProRail Complete Key Utilities Conduit Installation for Maasvlakte Zuid Railway Yard Development

Port of Rotterdam Authority and ProRail Complete Key Utilities Conduit Installation for Maasvlakte Zuid Railway Yard Development. Images: Bob van Bruggen (IJsbreker.TV)

(IN BRIEF)  Port of Rotterdam Authority and ProRail have completed a major infrastructure milestone at Maasvlakte with the successful installation of a concrete utilities conduit beneath the railway tracks during a 130-hour shutdown. The conduit, made up of two precast concrete tunnel pipes, was assembled next to the track and hydraulically pushed into place after the railway line was excavated. The operation was designed to minimise disruption to train services, nearby businesses and Locomotive Workshop Rotterdam, while preparing the area for future cables, pipes and energy transition-related infrastructure without requiring further excavation of the tracks. The works form part of the first phase of the Maasvlakte Zuid Railway Yard, which includes the construction of six tracks and connections to existing rail infrastructure. The first track bundle is expected to enter service in mid-2027, supporting the Port of Rotterdam’s long-term strategy to strengthen sustainable and efficient rail freight links between Maasvlakte and the European hinterland.

(PRESS RELEASE) ROTTERDAM, 27-May-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — The Port of Rotterdam Authority and ProRail have reached an important milestone in the development of the Maasvlakte Zuid Railway Yard with the successful installation of a concrete utilities conduit beneath the railway tracks at Maasvlakte. The complex operation was completed during a carefully coordinated 130-hour rail shutdown and represents a major step forward in preparing the area for future rail and infrastructure growth.

The works were carried out through close cooperation between the clients, ProRail and Port of Rotterdam Authority, and a group of specialist contractors including Swietelsky, Van der Linden Beton, Boskalis, De Koning and CT De Boer. The successful completion of the operation highlights the level of planning, technical precision and coordination required for infrastructure works in one of Europe’s most important logistics hubs.

The conduit consists of two tunnel pipes made from precast concrete sections. These sections were assembled in advance in an excavated trench next to the railway line. During the shutdown period, the railway track was excavated and the complete tunnel structure was moved into its final position using a hydraulic pushing system. This method allowed the work to be completed efficiently, safely and under controlled conditions, while limiting disruption to train services and to Locomotive Workshop Rotterdam.

The new conduit has been installed close to the sidings used by Locomotive Workshop Rotterdam. By placing the structure now, future excavation of the railway track can be avoided when cables and pipes need to be installed. This forward-looking design will make it possible to route future utilities, including infrastructure linked to energy transition projects, beneath the railway line with significantly less disruption to rail operations and surrounding activities.

Alongside the conduit installation, additional infrastructure works are being carried out by Strukton and KPN. These include preparations for the relocation of an Evides water main and a Port of Rotterdam Authority pressure pipeline. Casing pipes have already been installed for this purpose, enabling the new pipes to be laid once the conduit has been fully inserted.

Careful coordination with local businesses, railway users and stakeholders helped keep the impact of the works to a minimum. The project team also worked closely with Locomotive Workshop Rotterdam, which has been involved in the planning process for around three years. By concentrating the main works into one short and well-planned period, disruption in the area was reduced as much as possible.

The installation forms part of the first phase of the Maasvlakte Zuid Railway Yard project, which Port of Rotterdam Authority is carrying out in collaboration with ProRail. This phase includes the construction of the first bundle of six tracks and several connections to the existing rail network. Additional tracks at the railway yard will be built in later phases.

The first bundle of tracks is expected to become operational in mid-2027. The new railway yard is being developed to support the growing volume of rail freight moving from Maasvlakte to the European hinterland. With container throughput at the Port of Rotterdam expected to continue increasing in the coming years, Port of Rotterdam Authority, ProRail and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management are investing in rail infrastructure designed to support more sustainable, efficient and reliable hinterland transport.

Media Contact:

Lex Bezemer
Spokesperson for the Harbour Master, infrastructure projects, national and international partnerships, Portlantis, environmental issues and the connection between the city and the port.
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SOURCE: Port of Rotterdam