Rail freight operator and TX Logistik subsidiary HSL Belgium has taken over the first and last mile operations in port zone 6A in the Antwerp port. Zone 6A is the area around the so-called Marshall Dock. It represented a “prestigious” tender, in the words of the operator.
HSL Belgium has secured the right to organise the first and last mile operations around the Marshall Dock for two years, with a possible extension of another year. It constitutes a significant expansion of HSL Belgium’s activities in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, the company explains.
Port zone 6A includes the Petrol, IJsland and Amerika Zuid terminals: all rail connections around the Marshall Dock.
The operator has long driven block trains for Exxon Mobil in zone 6A, but it is now adding single wagonload (SWL) operations to all terminals in the area to its service offering. That means a rail connection between distribution centre Antwerpen-Noord and zone 6A, for which HSL Belgium can move all freight wagons from all possible customers to any terminal.
High quality rail freight
HSL Belgium believes it can boost rail freight efficiency through its takeover of operations. “Thanks to our efficient SWL system, we ensure shorter turnaround times: the customer receives their goods faster and has quicker access to the means of transport (the wagon)”, comments Customer Service Director Thomas Vinck.
“Adding this SWL transport to our service and expertise is a major step forward. This allows us to attract several new customers, many of whom were unfamiliar with us. It’s a unique opportunity to position ourselves in the market as a reliable, flexible railway company that focuses not only on spot trains but also on regular services and complex SWL flows.”
Road to further expansion
The conquest of port zone 6A could function as a jumping pad for further expansion in the port, HSL Belgium says. “If we can make a positive internal analysis of our first months in zone 6A, this new tender would immediately present a great opportunity to further increase our market share”, says CEO Bart Smout.
“Moreover, it would also increase our contribution to the modal shift: the more zones we manage, the more companies we will help reduce their environmental footprint thanks to our sustainable logistics. 2025 was an absolute record year. We expect to continue this success in 2026 and hope for another year full of opportunities and further growth. Given that we will also be celebrating our 10th anniversary in 2026, this would be the icing on the cake.”
Decarbonisation
In 2025, HSL Belgium acquired Belgium’s first-ever hybrid diesel-electric freight locomotive. The company announces that it is continuing its mission to decarbonise its operations with a second hybrid DE18 locomotive now operational.
HSL uses its first DE18 locomotive to transport tank wagons between Antwerpen-Noord an Antwerpen-Petrol for the Exxon refinery. The second DE18 locomotive, taken into use in mid-December, will be used for national connections, including the transport of empty wagons from Antwerp to the sugar refinery in Statte and automotive trains between Montzen and Zeebrugge.