Kontron, a leading global provider of IoT Technology, has secured a major infrastructure contract in Belgium through its software subsidiary Kontron AIS. The award was made as part of a consortium with Belgian company Cegelec Infra Technics sa./nv. The project covers the modernization of key control components at the Antwerp rail yard. The contract value for Kontron AIS is in the double-digit million range.
The contract was awarded through an international tender, in which Kontron AIS, a specialist in industrial software solutions, prevailed as part of the consortium with Cegelec Infra Technics against several competing bidders.
Antwerp North is the second largest marshaling yard in Europe, making it a key hub in European freight rail transport. Its direct connection to the Port of Antwerp makes it one of the most important transshipment points for international goods transport. The contracting authority is the Belgian infrastructure operator Infrabel nv.
The project focuses on renewing the control and automation systems used for automated train formation. Existing systems will be replaced with a modern and future-ready solution that ensures long-term availability of spare parts. As part of the project, Kontron AIS, a member of Kontron’s software division, will renew the entire route and brake control systems, along with the control of remote-operated shunting locomotives. Operational safety and system availability are top priorities in this software development.
The project will utilize Kontron AIS’s YardLynx software – a flexible, modular control solution designed to meet diverse requirements and scenarios in train formation yards. The modernization includes subsystems B2 and C2, with a total of 96 classification tracks. The project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2028.
Michael Jacob, managing director of Kontron AIS, which part of Kontron’s software division, explains: “The Antwerp contract is a milestone for our company. It shows that we can compete internationally with our complete software offering and that we are recognized as a reliable technology partner for complex infrastructure projects.”
With this project, Kontron AIS is continuing to expand its software business in the international railway infrastructure market. For Kontron AG, the contract confirms the growing importance of secure and reliably operable digitalization solutions in the field of public transportation systems.