Lineas is Connecting Belgian Ports
Lineas continues sustainable logistics with two significant milestones: the inauguration of a car train service in Ostend and the launch of a container rail link between Zeebrugge and Antwerp.
These initiatives reflect Lineas’s broader strategy: driving the modal shift from road to rail, reducing CO₂ emissions, and reinforcing its network across Europe. They align with the company’s sustainability goals and its commitment to innovative, climate-friendly logistics.
Through these twin milestones—reviving Ostend’s railway for cars and linking PSA’s Belgian ports by train—Lineas and its partners are shaping a greener, smarter future for European freight.
Ostend Debuts Its First Car Train in 15 Years
On 15 May 2025, the Port of Ostend welcomed the very first car train in its history, marking the revival of block-train rail operations after more than 15 year. After 18 months of collaboration with infrastructure manager Infrabel, the port’s existing rail tracks have been upgraded with new signaling and transshipment facilities.
This night-time service, which is expected to run up to three times a week, connects Ostend to destinations across Europe, integrating rail with road and sea logistics. It supports the Port’s vision of becoming a Safe, Full, and Innovative hub through a true intermodal supply chain.
Lineas CEO Erik van Ockenburg emphasised the company’s commitment to supporting modal shift in automotive logistics from Ostend and beyond!
New Zeebrugge–Antwerp Container Train Link
Following closely, 27 May 2025 saw the inaugural departure of a fully loaded container train from PSA Zeebrugge to the Noordzee Terminal in Antwerp, with regular services commencing on 2 June 2025.
The new service operates three round-trip rail movements per week (six in total) and is a flagship project of PSA Antwerp’s Hinterland Connectivity Program.
With an expected annual volume of 26,000 TEU, the rail link complements the existing barge service, providing shippers with flexible and eco-friendly hinterland transport options.Erik van Ockenburg explained that the service leverages Lineas’s Antwerp MainHub to consolidate and optimize cargo flows across Europe.