European ports must be part of a rail-integrated, multimodal freight network. That’s the message from the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER), the voice of the rail sector on the Continent. Brussels-based CER is encouraging the European Union (EU) to put third-country cooperation on track for better port-rail logistics.
Improving cooperation with non-EU neighbours is vital if the European Union is to get serious about boosting port-rail freight traffic. That’s the message from the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) in its recently published position on the EU’s evolving Port Strategy. “Ports are vital to Europe’s economic strength and strategic autonomy,” says CER. “As gateways to global trade, they must be at the heart of a modern, multimodal, and climate-resilient logistics system — and that system must be rail-integrated.”
Harmony of systems
In a bid to strengthen rail’s role in port operations, CER is calling for more consistent investment across EU member states. The representative body has prioritised the infrastructure implementation of the agreed 740-metre standard-length loading tracks, making block train operations far more convenient across international borders.
CER has also identified digitalised track management systems (including the difficult to achieve but game-changing harmonisation of signalling systems), and direct ship-to-rail transfer capabilities. Crucially, says the sector body, these features must not be an afterthought. “Port expansions must include rail planning from the outset if the EU wants to avoid future bottlenecks,” says CER.
Ports, corridors, and cooperation
Beyond port perimeters, rail freight efficiency depends on robust hinterland and corridor connectivity. CER says the implementation of the European Transport Corridors, known as TEN-T, needs urgent acceleration. It also wants to see the expansion of intermodal terminals to keep up with capacity demand. This is especially true where key ports act as gateways for freight entering the EU via road and rail. CER believes that infrastructure across the EU is still underdeveloped or fragmented.
“Some strategically relevant ports, either outside EU territory or with access routes through non-EU countries, are crucial for European Transport Corridors,” notes CER. “The EU should enhance coordination with these third countries and provide significant infrastructure funding to improve rail transport flows to and from these key ports.” Without that cross-border cooperation, argues CER, vital links may never reach their full logistical potential.
Old enemies can be new economic friends
CER draws attention to real-world examples that illustrate both the opportunities and obstacles. Türkiye’s Tekirdağ port sits at a crossroads of east-west European flows, while Greece’s Thessaloniki and
ports provide access to the Balkans. The connectivity is there in theory, but only close collaboration with neighbours like North Macedonia and Serbia will make these port-rail routes reliably viable.
The organisation also points to structural and operational barriers that need addressing. Port-related rail costs, such as shunting and transhipment, must come down. That means promoting competitive frameworks and targeted operational aid. CER is also lobbying for a revamp of the Combined Transport Directive, which promotes alternative means of moving cargo around the EU, to further incentivise the intermodal shift from road to rail. CER represents around 85% of rail-based interests in the EU and neighbouring states. Additional reporting by Dennis van der Laan at RailFreight.com.
