As of 1 January 2026, Contargo has acquired PortShuttle Rotterdam, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Port of Rotterdam Authority (HbR) and a key player in the port’s rail freight operations. The company will continue to operate under the name PortShuttle.
PortShuttle stands for efficient train and slot management as well as the shunting of containers within the virtual PortShuttle network. Working closely with terminals, freight forwarders, and operators, the company has made a significant contribution to strengthening the reliability and competitiveness of rail transport in the Port of Rotterdam.
Contargo has been an important partner and customer of PortShuttle for many years. Since 1 November 2025, we have managed our train operations in-house, making the acquisition a logical and forward-looking step to sustainably secure and further develop expertise, processes, and networks.
PortShuttle’s existing activities, such as train management, slot coordination, and shunting services, will continue under the Contargo umbrella. At the same time, we will remain committed to contributing to initiatives such as the Port of Rotterdam Authority’s Rail-Connected programme.
Thijs van den Heuvel, COO Contargo, commented:
“With the acquisition of PortShuttle, we are strengthening our position in Rotterdam and can accelerate the implementation of our shared ambition for rail freight transport. We are grateful for the trust the Port Authority has placed in us and see this as an opportunity to bundle expertise, networks, and capacity.”