Port of Ghent’s Mercator Station can nowadays receive trains up to 740 meters in length following a major revival, which notably enhances the competitiveness and efficiency of the Belgian railroad network.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Mercator Station Reconstructed to Handle 740-Meter Trains
Photo: Infrabel

Mercator Station Strengthens Belgium’s Role in Logistics

Belgian infrastructure manager Infrabel finalized the €12.5 million modernization work at Mercator Station, with the federal government and the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) fund providing €4 million and the balance respectively.

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The modifications increased six lines to 750 m and added recent technology in order to manage lengthy cargo trains, growing the volume and lessening maneuvering periods.

Mercator Station hosts key industrial customers such as Volvo, Arcelor Mittal, and ferry operator DFDS. Belgian factory proprietor Volvo has two Swedish trains a day delivered from its Älmhult site, which highlights the importance of European industrial logistics reliance on the use of the cart.

Mercator Station Boosts the Sustainability of Transport

The terminal also includes three other sidings with lengths from 500 up to 600 m, improving wagon operating flexibility. The layout speeds up cargo operating processes and reinforces interface integration between the sea terminal and the railway terminal.

Infrabel aims to roll out a new signaling and remote-control system in 2029 in order to grow the share of the railways in cargo transportations between the Port of Ghent and industrial areas from 10 to 15 percent.

The plans aim at decreasing emissions of CO₂, less reliance on transport on the roads and sustainable logistics. Experts underline that the re-construction of the Mercator Station represents successful cooperation among the government, private sector, and the EU.

In this way, Belgium further cements its foothold in the market for intermodal transport, which makes its own market more competitive and reduces the cost of transport logistics for companies.

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What is Mercator Station and where is it located?

Mercator Station is located in the Port of Ghent and serves as a key railway hub connecting industrial companies and ferry terminals.

When was the modernization of Mercator Station completed?

Infrabel completed the modernization in 2025, extending the tracks and upgrading infrastructure to accommodate long freight trains.

How will Mercator Station’s reconstruction impact Belgium’s economy?

The project will boost the share of rail freight, ease road congestion, and strengthen the competitiveness of Belgian ports in the European logistics market.

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