Infrabel and Port of Antwerp-Bruges develop applications that streamline cargo transport

Communication and transparency are keywords in any organisation, collaboration or process. It is no different for cargo transport by rail. To streamline the logistics of rail transport in the port, Port of Antwerp-Bruges and the infrastructure manager developed three applications to further enhance the efficiency of the logistics chain. These new applications are part of the joint Rail Vision of Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Railport, and Infrabel to increase cargo transport by rail.

Every second counts

Anyone who has ever ordered a parcel and had it delivered to their home knows how important and useful it is to know where your parcel is and when it will be delivered so that someone is home to open the door. The same is true for cargo transport by rail. In order to offer complete transparency to their customers, Port of Antwerp Bruges and infrastructure manager Infrabel developed and implemented three applications aimed at smoothing the logistics chain in the port area and on the Belgian rail network.

RTP Manager (Rail Trans Port)

This application, created by experts from Port of Antwerp-Bruges and Infrabel, offers a clearer view of where a train or railcar (cargo) is at any stage in the logistics chain, enabling customers to check for delays. Users of the application can easily access this information through clear, well-structured lists. The first version is currently being tested by the two companies and will gradually be made available to all stakeholders in the rail transport logistics chain (railway companies, terminals, shippers, freight payers, bridge and lock operators and port captains' offices) after summer 2025. Naturally, multiple competing companies will be using this application. As such, access to company-sensitive information is restricted and not available to all users. Therefore, to protect the business interests of all parties involved, access to the application is strictly limited to each company's own rail traffic information. Initially, Infrabel will use the ​ tool to better coordinate activities across the transport chain, respond more quickly to potential disruptions, and monitor and manage the use of groups of sidings. This will allow ​ to make the process more efficient and reduce waiting times. Over time, the plan is to expand RTP Manager with additional features and data, such as international freight tracking, integration of GPS data (currently, location is determined via rail infrastructure information), terminal slot management, and more.

Hump yard viewer

Whereas RTP Manager's field of action is all of Belgium, the Hump yard viewer focuses on the specific activity around the hump yard at the Antwerp-North marshalling yard. This online application enables users to quickly identify the location of specific trains or railcars within the shunting process. Trains carrying railcars are directed to the groups of sidings at the hump yard. On the hill, the cars of one train are then split across multiple departure tracks for different (final) destinations. This tool allows railroad companies to easily track when their wagons are shunted and prepared for departure, all at a glance. This new web application was built by the port and the infrastructure manager to share information between rail operators in an easy, fast and open way that allows them to work even more efficiently. ​

FreightChat

Direct, transparent communication is crucial for any business. Nowhere is this more true than in the port. Ports are unique ecosystems, each with its own rules and specific needs. With so many players on the field, it’s crucial that their communication stays clear and doesn’t descend into chaos. To address this, Port of Antwerp-Bruges and Infrabel are introducing FreightChat, a communication platform that consolidates all previous channels (email, phone, WhatsApp, SMS, etc.) and ensures consistent communication. This application enables direct, real-time communication between Infrabel, the port, railway companies, and end customers. This includes communication about incidents, shipyard activities, and other elements that could affect cargo transport within the port. Another key benefit of FreightChat is the ability to refer back to the history of past conversations at any time. This is particularly useful during shift changes, ensuring that everyone stays informed about the progress of a specific issue, report, or file. This application is managed by the infrastructure manager and may be expanded in the future.

Let’s Modal Shift Together

RTP Manager, the Hump yard viewer and FreightChat are three applications that are a concrete translation of the Rail Vision of Port of Antwerp Bruges, Infrabel and Railport. A cooperative agreement aimed at doubling the share of freight rail transport by 2030. Cargo transport by train increased slightly in 2024. Over 55.2 million tons of freight were transported by rail, marking a 3.2% increase compared to 2023. The modal shift is essential, as increased freight transport by rail benefits the climate, the economy, and mobility.

https://press.infrabel.be/sustainable-rail-vision-for-port-of-antwerp