ProRail has awarded the modernisation of the system at the Kijfhoek freight yard to Siemens Mobility. Siemens will renew both the electronic and mechanical components. Work will start in mid-2023 and conclude by the end of 2024.

The contract was signed remotely on 20 May by ProRail Chief Executive John Voppen, ProRail Operations Director Ans Rietstra, general manager Olivier Gueydan and Siemens Mobility Finance Director Ad van Paassen.

Kijfhoek was built in 1980, covering an area of a half-square kilometre. The rail yard has a key function connecting the rail network at the port of Rotterdam with the rest of the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. In 1999 it acquired the current MSR-32 system by Siemens. Later, in 2007, it underwent some modernisation due to the commissioning of the Betouowe route. Siemens renewed the electronic part, including computers and sensors, and mechanical components, such as rail brakes and the pressure system.

Modernisation of yard system

The modernisation of the yard system at Kijfhoek is important news for freight transporters, and shippers said Operational Director Ans Rietstra: “With the modernisation of the yard system, we are investing in the safety and availability of Kijfhoek for decades to come. Kijfhoek is an important hub for rail freight transport, where wagons are sorted quickly, efficiently and safely. With a modernised yard, we can facilitate the growth of rail freight transport in the future.”

Arjan Mann, Senior Account Manager at Siemens, underlined that “the migration from the current to the new system will take place over the next few years in close cooperation with ProRail and with our partners and suppliers. Safety and efficiency will go hand in hand”.

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