EU Strategy Must Prioritize Rail Freight in EU Ports

Rail freight in EU ports plays a critical role in reducing emissions, strengthening supply chains, and increasing the EU’s transport resilience and competitiveness. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) urges the European Commission to make rail freight in EU ports a central pillar of its upcoming port strategy. The initiative seeks to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of maritime logistics hubs.

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Ports such as Rotterdam and Antwerp-Bruges currently report rail shares below 10%, highlighting missed opportunities. In contrast, Hamburg and Bremerhaven exceed 30%, showcasing the benefits of strong rail-port integration.

CER recommends setting a minimum benchmark of 30% for rail freight in EU ports. This target would align with climate goals and help rebalance Europe’s freight transport system.

Backed by EU-funded studies, CER shows that rail logistics delivers better environmental and economic results than road transport, even under greener trucking scenarios. Every €1 invested in rail infrastructure returns €5 in societal value.

Strengthening Rail Freight in EU Ports Through Investment

CER proposes targeted investments in 740-meter tracks, automated ship-to-rail systems, and expanded rail-road terminals along trade corridors. These upgrades would boost modal shift and reduce long-term logistics costs.

The group also calls for integrating rail capacity into port expansion plans. Without this foresight, ports risk future bottlenecks that could limit economic growth and supply chain efficiency.

Rail Freight in EU Ports Key to EU Sovereignty

CER highlights the strategic value of rail in supporting military mobility and protecting critical logistics infrastructure. With rising geopolitical pressures, Europe must reduce dependency on vulnerable supply routes.

The organization calls for €100 billion in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034) through the Connecting Europe Facility. These funds would modernize port infrastructure and increase the rail share.

CER Executive Director Alberto Mazzola emphasized that investing in port-rail links is essential for Europe’s green transition and long-term sovereignty. The future of EU ports, he argues, will be decided on land—by rail.

Source, photo: www.globalrailwayreview.com

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