APM Terminals Maasvlakte II is currently undergoing terminal expansion, reconfiguration and operational adjustments. As part of these works, the area between the rail module and the yard is being redesigned. Starting from 1 July 2026, these activities are expected to result in a substantial temporary reduction in rail handling capacity which are anticipated to remain in place until mid-2027. Consequently, during this period there will be noticeable impacts on our rail products and on rail connectivity to APM Terminals Maasvlakte II.
According to the current information, the available rail capacity at APMT2 will be significantly reduced during this period. For Contargo, this means that a major part of the slots used today is expected to become unavailable or only available to a very limited extent. As alternative slots at other terminals on the Maasvlakte are currently hardly available, we expect a significant impact on existing train products, transit times, terminal calls and operational processes.
The concrete impact per train product and relation is currently being analysed in detail. However, we already have to assume that, depending on the respective connection, existing slot times may need to be adjusted, volumes may need to be bundled, operational routings may change or, in individual cases, direct rail handling at APMT2 may temporarily no longer be possible.
At the same time, we are working intensively on alternative and stabilising solutions within our trimodal network. These include in particular:
- Additional barge capacity and fixed windows at APMT2
Contargo is in close dialogue with APMT2 regarding the expansion of fixed windows for barge handling. The objective is to move our customers’ volumes to and from APMT2 by barge as quickly, reliably and predictably as possible. We expect to integrate these additional barge windows into our regular schedules as of July. - Prioritisation and bundling on remaining rail slots
Wherever rail slots at APMT2 remain available to us, we will bundle and prioritise container flows in order to make the best possible use of the remaining capacity. This should help ensure that the most urgent and operationally critical containers can still be handled appropriately. - Use of other rail terminals in combination with barge or truck transfers
We are in discussions with other rail terminals in the Port of Rotterdam to explore options for pre- or onward carriage of APMT2 containers via alternative terminals. Depending on the respective route and available capacity, this may involve barge or truck transfers between APMT2 and other terminals served by our trains. - Ongoing discussions with APMT2 regarding additional train capacity
In parallel, we will remain in continuous dialogue with APMT2 to assess whether additional capacity for further trains or individual time windows can become available during the restriction period.
Our aim is to limit the impact on your supply chain as much as possible and to continue offering a reliable connection to APMT2 during this challenging period. Due to the scale of the announced restrictions, operational adjustments and extended lead times cannot be ruled out at this stage, and additional costs for alternative solutions will be unavoidable.
As soon as we receive more reliable information regarding the concrete impact per train product, we will inform you without delay. In addition, we will proactively contact you if specific alternative solutions are required or available for your volumes.