The vast majority of Dutch rail freight is concentrated on a few railways, such as the freight-dedicated Betuwe Line to Germany. Very little flows up north, despite the presence of ports and the potential for hinterland connections. Six Dutch provinces are now starting a programme to redirect rail and waterway freight flows to their regions.
The six provinces are cooperating in the “Northeast Corridor” project. It aims to achieve optimal utilisation and further development of multimodal operations between road, waterways and rail. The corridor is also part of the European North Sea-Baltic TEN-T corridor. As such, it should strengthen connectivity between the northeastern Netherlands, North Sea ports and the international hinterland.
In recognition of a logistical system under pressure, the provinces want to take the opportunity to attract more freight flows to relieve congested arteries elsewhere. In addition, this could attract more businesses to the regions. The involved provinces “see that freight transport is key for a strong economy, an environment in which businesses want to settle and a competitive region.”
Northern ports
There are opportunities for an increase in freight flows. For example, the northern province of Groningen features two ports, Delfzijl and Eemshaven. These could both serve as important throughput locations for onward transport. They should not function as a final destination, but rather as a place to send freight further into Scandinavia, northern Germany, or the Baltic states, a provincial deputy told local media platform RTV Noord.
Ultimately, the programme should lead to a modal shift from road to rail and waterways, more sustainable logistics, digitalisation, innovation and improvement of bottlenecks. The provinces eye both national and European funding for the project.
Over the coming period, the provinces will further develop the joint work agenda and turn it into an implementation programme. In addition, various studies will be launched into freight flows, infrastructure, sustainability, spatial development and economic opportunities.