Q&A

North Sea Port is likely to grow in the coming years, partly due to the opening of the New Lock in Terneuzen and the Seine-Scheldt connection. In addition, because it is more sustainable, more and more transport takes place via water and rail (modal shift). Therefore, more capacity is needed on the railways to transport goods. More capactity makes the railways more reliable and stronger. 

It is not yet known where adjustments to the rail network are desired. As of autumn 2024, we will investigate the possibilities. By the end of 2027, we will choose a solution for bottlenecks in the port area between Ghent and Terneuzen. 

For example, we are looking at: 

• Opening up the track bundle at Zandeken 
• The railway between Zelzate and Sluiskil (West bank)
• The track around Sluiskil Bridge 

The Dutch and Belgian governments will decide on this at the end of exploration phase, probably by the end of 2027. Then we will know where adjustments to the rail network are needed. After that, we will further elaborate the plans.

In 2021, several governments and companies signed a letter of intent. These include the Belgian and Dutch ministries, the Provinces of Zeeland and East Flanders, the Municipality of Terneuzen, the City of Ghent, North Sea Port, Infrabel (BE), and ProRail (NL). The latter three organisations now form the project organisation Rail Ghent Terneuzen.

The Rail Ghent Terneuzen project organisation consists of North Sea Port, ProRail, and Infrabel. Within the project, the port authority North Sea Port has a coordinating role. ProRail works for the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and Infrabel for the Belgian Federal Public Service Mobility & Transport. As a Belgian-Dutch project organisation, we are looking for a cross-border solution. We involve the local community in this task and inform them about the project. 

The project creates more space on the track and a more reliable network. This stimulates transport by train, which is more sustainable than road freight transport (modal shift). This keeps the port area attractive for companies, which is good for the economy and jobs.

The first preliminary studies were completed in 2021. The Belgian and Dutch governments then signed a letter of intent. The project organization is now preparing the exploration phase.

The exploration phase will start in the autumn of 2024. We expect to know by the end of 2027 where adjustments to the rail network are required. From 2028 onwards, we will work out the plans in more detail and then the realisation can begin. You can see the entire planning here.

The Dutch and Belgian governments and the European Union are jointly investing in the project. The Netherlands is investing money from the National Growth Fund and 'Wind in de Zeilen' (‘Wind in the Sails’). Belgium is paying from the Multi-Annual Investment Plan (MIP) 2023-2032 and the Strategic Multi-Annual Investment Plan (SMIP). The EU is supporting the project with a CEF subsidy for sustainable rail transport.

We take other projects into account. For example, the Ghent Canal Zone project office carried out the 'Ruimte Denken Zelzate' (‘Think Space Zelzate’) design exercise in 2023. All projects around Zelzate, including Rail Ghent Terneuzen, have been mapped out.

We explore various solutions for bottlenecks in the rail network. For example, we assess the feasibility, costs, and environmental impact. One solution is ultimately chosen and further developed. In the Netherlands, we follow the Environmental Act in the exploration phase and in Flanders  we follow the GRUP procedure. For both countries, we draw up one Environmental Impact Report (EIR plan). 

GRUP stands for Regional Spatial Implementation Plan. The Flemish government in Belgium draws up such a plan for infrastructure projects. It examines the consequences of spatial plans and which plots of land will be given a different purpose. Ultimately, the definitive GRUP determines what the new purpose of the plots will be.

Various studies are conducted during the exploration, for example for the EIR plan. ProRail (NL) and Infrabel (BE) usually hire a specialised agency for this. 

Previous studies have indeed been carried out. In 2021, three possible solutions emerged: a northern connection at Zandeken, a south-east arch at the Sluiskil Bridge, and a new rail connection between Axel and Zelzate. We are also investigating these solutions now, but this time even more thoroughly and with the latest information.

We go through the procedures simultaneously and coordinate them. The most important agreements are:

• The start. The exploration phase starts in the Netherlands and Flanders at the same time. In the Netherlands, ProRail starts an exploration and in Flanders, Infrabel cooperates in the start of a GRUP procedure with a start note and process note. 
• Participation. During the exploratory phase in the Netherlands and Flanders, there are various moments when people can give their opinion. These meetings take place at approximately the same time in both countries. How we do this exactly is explained in a participation plan (NL) and a process note (BE). We publish these documents at the start of the exploratory phase.
• Promising solutions. In both countries we investigate the same possible solutions and alternatives. How detailed and extensive our research is will be recorded in documents that are published at the same time: the Scope and Definition Note in the Netherlands and the scoping note in Flanders. After we have examined all possible solutions, we will choose the most promising solutions to investigate further.
• IER plan. We make one Environmental Impact Report (IER plan) for the best solutions. In this report we describe the possible consequences for the living environment.
• One best solution. Ultimately, the Netherlands and Belgium will jointly choose one best solution for the new track. We expect the procedures in the Netherlands and Flanders to be finalised by the end of 2027.

For exploration in the Netherlands and Flanders, we will create one cross-border Environmental Impact Report (IER plan). For each solution, we will map out the effects on the living environment. Think of noise pollution, air quality, nature and landscape, soil and water, health, sustainability, and climate. 

On this page, you will find more information.

Freight trains will continue to run on the railway in and to the port area. These trains are used to transport goods to and from companies in the ports. 

With this project we are not exploring the possibilities for passenger transport between Ghent and Terneuzen. It has been agreed that we will investigate how the track can be constructed so that passenger transport might be possible in the future.  

Yes, we will carry out research on this in the exploration phase. 

Hoe de locomotieven aangedreven worden, wordt ook wel tractie genoemd. We willen duurzaam spoorvervoer, maar welke vorm van aandrijving we kiezen is nog niet duidelijk. Of het spoor een bovenleiding krijgt, weten we ook nog niet. In de verkenningsfase laten we onderzoeken welke opties er zijn. Op basis daarvan bepalen we welke vorm van aandrijving we kiezen voor dit spoor.

No, this will be further investigated in the exploration phase.

In principle, yes. ProRail does not construct new unguarded crossings. That is why we are conducting a study of existing crossings in the Netherlands. Infrabel also wants to replace as many crossings as possible with grade-separated crossings.

Yes, this will be included in the IER plan.

We are investigating what the consequences for plants and animals and nature reserves could be and how we can limit these consequences. We will record the results of the investigation in the IER plan.

Freight trains cause noise and vibrations. The extent to which residents will experience these depends on which solution is ultimately chosen. In the IER plan we will map the consequences for noise and vibrations per solution and determine mitigating and restrictive measures. 

Because we do not yet know what land we need, we are not buying or expropriating anything at this stage. This will only be the case after the exploration phase, when we know where adjustments to the rail network are required.

At this moment it is still unknown where adjustments to the rail network are required. When we know, we will search for a good solution with the owner concerned on a case-by-case basis.

Yes, there will probably be temporary inconvenience, but it is too early to say where and when. The inconvenience during the construction phase and the measures that need to be taken to limit this inconvenience will also be included in the IER plan.

Yes, the project organisation will organise several information meetings during the exploration phase. We will use the input from the attendees to choose the best solution. How we are going to involve stakeholders will be recorded in a participation plan (NL) and process note (BE).

The project organisation will contact direct stakeholders, such as landowners. In addition to the information meetings/consultations that we will organise, we will keep local residents informed during all phases of the project via letters and a digital newsletter. We will include all official documents and reports on our website.

You can contact the project organisation via info@railghentterneuzen.eu.