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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Home
ANNUAL REPORT AND
SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2014
MESSAGE FROM THE CEO AND CHAIR
Read more
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Home
ABOUT OUR COMPANY
10 YEARS OF INFRABEL
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Home
OUR ORGANISATION
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS & CORPORATE
GOVERNANCE
TUC RAIL
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Home
2014 FIGURES
OUR CUSTOMERS
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Home
SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Message from the chair and CEO
Message from the chair and CEO
A company strategy tailored to the
challenges of tomorrow
As a rail infrastructure manager Infrabel is one of the biggest players in the
Belgian mobility landscape. Through our projects we also make a direct
contribution to providing a more sustainable transport service for current and
future generations. We completed a large number of strategic projects
successfully in the previous decade, thereby strengthening our central position
within European mobility. Nevertheless, Infrabel will continue to face
considerable challenges in the next few years.
In recent years our country has been experiencing a difficult economic and
financial situation which has had an inevitable effect on public funds. At the
same time our stakeholders expect an appropriate response to the increased
mobility demand. This is a huge challenge which we approach with a sense of
responsibility and confidence.
Cost efficiency and rationalisation of company processes are embedded in our
strategic plan Focus more than ever before. This puts us in a position to
advance all our industrial processes regardless of the budgetary restrictions
required. Balancing the books has become a common theme throughout our
company culture more than ever before, in line with the motto 'less is more'.
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Message from the chair and CEO
Safety was also right at the top of the list of priorities in 2014. We are taking
further important steps in the ETCS Master Plan which we launched with SNCB
in 2010 and which is running exactly as planned. We also implemented the final
stage of equipping the rail infrastructure with the automatic TBL1+ stopping
system. In doing so we don't just respect the commitments which we made with
regard to the Special Rail Safety Committee, we are also right at the top in
Europe.
In addition the development and launching of the new transport plan proved to
be an important balancing act for our employees. We supported SNCB for over
two years in the development of a train service adapted to current passenger
expectations. That plan will allow us and our customers to make further
improvements to the punctuality results and the quality of service.
Finally 2014 was also dominated by the Liefkenshoek rail link, a new, strategic
rail link between the left and right banks in the Port of Antwerp. This new freight
link, the logistical access port for Europe, will support the further growth of the
Port of Antwerp and the Belgian economy.
We invite you to find out more about our achievements and projects for the
railway network of tomorrow in this new edition of our Annual Report.
We hope you will enjoy reading it!
Luc Lallemand
Christine Vanderveeren
CEO
Chair of the Board
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - About our Company
About our Company
Focus on Infrabel
Infrabel is an autonomous public enterprise which manages the Belgian railway
infrastructure and ensures the railway network continues to grow in order to
meet the transport needs of its customers and end­users. We maintain, renew
and build railway infrastructure wherever it is needed: tracks, catenaries,
tunnels, bridges, level crossings, signalling systems, etc. We are also
responsible for the IT systems and telecommunication networks needed for the
safe and smooth operation of the railway network.
Our company is also in charge of traffic control for all passenger and freight
trains operating throughout Belgium. Our signal boxes control the signalling
system alongside the tracks, guiding each train to its destination safely and on
time. By paying an infrastructure fee, any railway company is allowed to use our
railway network, providing they possess the necessary certification. In
collaboration with the railway operators we aim to achieve safe and punctual
passenger and freight railway transport.
Discover more about our company on our corporate website.
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - About our Company
“ Infrabel has made every effort to ensure a
smooth introduction of the new transport plan, in
close partnership with SNCB. Our people have
contributed to the preparation and launch of the
transport plan by carrying out computer
simulations to test the robustness of the new
timetable, allocating all the required train paths,
guaranteeing an optimum infrastructure,
participating in a Monitoring Committee with
SNCB as well as strengthening the teams in the
signal boxes and on the ground to ensure the
smoothest possible launch of the plan."
Nico Van Wijk
Director HR & Organisation
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - 10 Years of Infrabel
10 Years of Infrabel
On Sunday 12 October 2014 Infrabel celebrated its 10th birthday. Ten years in
which we have navigated through many challenges, but also in which a number
of sad events have occurred. Each and every time we were able to count on
the commitment and hard work of our employees and partners. Thanks to their
professionalism we are now able to look back on the construction of a highly
developed rail network. Infrabel looks confidently to the future, ready to tackle
the challenges that lie ahead in the coming ten years.
2005
Formation of the 3 SNCB Group companies: Infrabel, SNCB and SNCB
Holding
The Nossegem Curve goes into service: a first step towards improving
access to Brussels Airport.
2006
Official opening of the third and fourth tracks on the Brussels­Leuven line
(L36)
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Work starts on the new Schuman­Josaphat rail tunnel
2007
Traffic Control operational after taking over from regional dispatching
centres
North­South link beneath Antwerp Central station in service (level ­2)
2008
Centralised signal box in Bruges operational
Electrification of the line between Montzen and the German border (L24)
2009
High­speed line to Germany in service
High­speed line to the Netherlands in service
GSM­R operational on the Belgian railway infrastructure
2010
Liberalisation of international passenger transport
Buizingen train crash
Decision to speed up the implementation of the TBL1+ automatic braking
system
2011
Infrabel and SNCB present the ETCS master plan to the parliamentary
committee
First public refuelling station for diesel trains in the Port of Zeebrugge
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2012
Official commissioning of the Diabolo rail link, the northern rail connection
for Brussels Airport
Presentation of the ETCS test train at InnoTrans in Berlin
2013
ETCS in use on line 53 Mechelen­Leuven
Launch of the national action plan against copper theft by Infrabel and
SNCB Holding
Freight corridors 1 & 2 operational in Belgium
2014
Restructuring of the SNCB Group
All of Infrabel's power cars equipped with TBL1+
Opening of the Railway Operations Center, combining the traffic control
organisations of Infrabel and SNCB
Official opening of the Liefkenshoek rail link in the Port of Antwerp
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - New organisation Infrabel
New organisation Infrabel
Our Organisation
The internal reorganisation of Infrabel has been implemented gradually since
2012, based on four main principles: a process­oriented approach, an internal
working model, rigorous internal governance and geographical uniformity. A
large step forward was made towards this reorganisation on 1 April 2014 with
the introduction of the new organisational structure. This consists of three core
processes ­ Traffic Management & Services, Asset Management and Build ­
with four supporting processes, named Finance & Business Administration,
Human Resources & Organisation, Information & Communication Technology
and Corporate & Public Affairs. The transition to the new structure was
completed at the end of 2014 and will be fine­tuned over the next few years.
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - New organisation Infrabel
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Financial Statements & Corporate Governance
Financial Statements & Corporate
Governance
The financial stability of the company is one of our strategic priorities. In fiscal
year 2014, Infrabel again managed to maintain financial stability despite
government budget cuts due to the economic crisis.
Below is a brief overview of the statutory financial results for the fiscal year
2014. You can download the statutory financial statements, as well as the
consolidated financial statements.
The corporate governance report provides an overview of Infrabel's
management bodies, their composition and any changes that occurred during
2014.
Download
Statutory financial statements (PDF)
Consolidated financial statements (PDF)
Corporate governance report (PDF)
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Financial Statements & Corporate Governance
Income Statement
EBITDA
It is difficult to compare the results for the two financial years due to the
restructuring of the SNCB Group on 1 January 2014, due to the following:
the new distribution of operating grants between SNCB and Infrabel;
the transfer of ICT activities to Infrabel with an impact on staff costs and
turnover.
The financial year 2014 closed with a gross operating income (EBITDA) of EUR
121.1 million, compared with EUR 29.4 million in 2013, equating to a rise of
EUR 91.7 million.
This growth can be explained by:
a EUR 175.6 million increase in operating income (+12.5%);
partially offset by an increase in operating costs of EUR 83.9 million
(+6.1%).
The EUR 175.6 million increase in operating income stems from:
an increase in turnover and in the variation in contracts in progress worth
EUR 103.8 million;
an increase in produced fixed assets of EUR 73.3 million;
partially offset by a decrease in the variation in work in progress and
finished products of EUR 0.2 million;
a EUR 1.3 million decrease in other operating income.
The increase in operating costs of EUR 83.9 million is attributable to the
following:
an increase in the consumption of raw materials and consumables of EUR
48.7 million;
a EUR 41.2 million increase in payroll costs;
a EUR 2.8 million increase in other operating costs;
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partially offset by a decrease in other purchases of goods and services of
EUR 8.8 million.
EBT
Since the restructuring of the SNCB Group on 1 January 2014, the EBT has
primarily been impacted by the transfer of EUR 1.8 billion of net financial debt,
and the resulting financial charges. The related provision for financial
instruments brought a steep increase in financial costs.
Depreciation, and costs related to impairments and provisions totalled EUR
506.0 million, an increase of EUR 89.6 million on 2013. Depreciation increased
by EUR 74.5 million, but this increase was almost fully offset by a
corresponding increase depreciation on investment grants and therefore had no
significant impact on the EBT. Costs relating to impairments rose by EUR 1.7
million. Given the sharp fall in interest rates, costs relating to provisions rose by
EUR 13.4 million.
The financial results are positive, amounting to EUR 508.5 million, an increase
of EUR 63.0 million on 2013. They include, on the one hand, financial income
of EUR 663.3 million, of which EUR 586.4 million from depreciation on
investment grants, and on the other hand financial charges amounting to EUR
154.8 million, including EUR 123.6 million of financial costs due to debts and a
EUR 27.0 million increase in provisions for financial instruments.
The extraordinary result stood at EUR ­127.3 million, compared with EUR ­51.3
million in 2013. This figure includes EUR ­119.3 million in extraordinary
depreciation on tangible fixed assets, which was offset by depreciation on the
above­mentioned investment grants.
The financial year 2014 therefore closed with an overall result (EBT) of EUR
­3.7 million that is close to break­even and in line with the budget targets (2013:
EUR 7.2 million), but equally shows that the financial balance needs to be
closely monitored and a strict financial policy continues to be required.
INCOME STATEMENT (IN
2013
2014
Operating revenues
1,405.84
1,581.47
Turnover
1,099.65
1,162.65
EUR MILLION)
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Turnover
1,099.65
1,162.65
Infrastructure fee
667.45
676.95
State funding
203.63
237.73
Other
228.57
247.97
Variations in finished products. work and
­16.33
24.34
284.21
357.46
38.31
37.02
1,376.48
1,460.37
159.89
208.57
1,214.73
1,247.17
Payroll charges
740.17
781.39
Other
474.56
465.78
1.86
4.63
29.36
121.10
­416.42
­506.04
Financial result
445.55
508.52
Extraordinary result
­51.30
­127.33
7.19
­3.75
contracts in progress
Produced fixed assets
Other operating income
Operating costs
Raw materials and consumables
Services and other goods
Other operating charges
Gross operating income (EBITDA)
Depreciation. impairments and provisions
OVERALL RESULT (EBT)
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Balance Sheet
Due to the restructuring of the SNCB Group on 1 January 2014, it is difficult to
compare Infrabel's balance sheet across the two years.
Infrabel's balance sheet total at 31 December 2014 stood at EUR 21,060.2
million, a substantial increase of EUR 2.34 billion on the previous year
(+12.5%).
The large proportion of fixed assets (EUR 18,357.0 million) is a key feature of
the balance sheet. These are primarily tangible fixed assets (EUR 16,873.4
million) but also intangible fixed assets (EUR 1 390.0 million), including the
concession right, and financial fixed assets (EUR 93.7 million).
The rise of EUR 722.0 million in fixed assets is a result of realised investments
in 2014 worth EUR 1 072.9 million and transferred fixed assets worth EUR
217.1 million as a result of the partial demerger of the SNCB Holding.
These increases are partially offset by depreciation and impairments of fixed
assets, by decommissioning and by rreimbursements of loans by subsidiaries
for a total of EUR 568.0 million.
The current assets (EUR 2 703.2 million) consist of EUR 1 334.2 million in
receivables, EUR 604.5 million in cash investments, cash and cash outbank,
EUR 277.3 million in stocks and contracts in progress and EUR 487.2 million in
deferred charges and accrued income.
The sharp rise of EUR 1 618.1 million in current assets is primarily a result of
the partial demerger of the SNCB Holding, amounting to EUR 696.6 million. In
addition, Infrabel decided to bring Infrabel's liabilities arising from the Diabolo
PPP (EUR 366.7 million) onto the balance sheet. These liabilities are fully
covered by future state subsidies, so a receivable has been recorded for the
same amount. This also causes a sharp rise of EUR 447.3 million in deferred
charges and accrued income.
Liabilities are made up of EUR 15,970.2 million of stakeholders' equity, which
includes EUR 14,819.1 million in investment grants, and a further EUR 413.8
million in provisions, EUR 4 676.1 million in debts, including EUR 2 918.4
million in (gross) long­term debt, EUR 976.3 million in short­term debt and EUR
781.5 million in accrued changes and deferred income.
Provisions rose by EUR 334.3 million, primarily because of the transfer of
provisions in relation to the partial demerger of the SNCB Holding.
The increase in debt of EUR 3 127.2 million is, on the one hand, the result of
the partial demerger where EUR 2 060.7 million of long­term and short­term
debt and EUR 54.7 million of accrued charges and deferred income were taken
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over, and, on the other hand, from the decision referred to above relating to the
liabilities arising from the PPP Diabolo project, which meant that EUR 366.7
million of short­term and long­term debt and EUR 447.3 million of accrued
charges and deferred income were recorded.
ASSETS (IN EUR
2013
2014
MILLION)
Fixed assets
17,635.05
18,357.03
0.00
0.00
II. Intangible fixed assets
1,374.07
1,389.99
III. Tangible fixed assets
16,256.41
16,873.37
IV. Financial fixed assets
4.57
93.67
1,085.12
2,703.17
18.83
873.07
231.74
277.28
570.30
461.12
260.01
404.92
IX. Cash at bank and in hand
0.82
199.57
X. Deferred charges and
3.42
487.21
I. Formation expenses
Current assets
V. Amounts receivable after
more than one year
VI. Stocks and contracts in
progress
VII. Amounts receivable
within one year
VIII. Investments
accrued income
TOTAL ASSETS
18,720.17
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Financial Statements & Corporate Governance
LIABILITIES
Shareholders' equity
2013
2014
17,091.70
15,970.22
1,247.76
875.28
299.32
299.32
1,220.01
62.47
IV. Reserves
17.17
17.17
V. Profit/loss carried forward
27.56
­99.32
I. Capital
II. Share premium
III. Revaluation surpluses
Profit (loss) to be
­3.75
appropriated
VI. Investment grants
14,279.88
14,819.05
Provisions
79.50
413.84
VII. Provisions
79.50
413.84
1,548.98
4,676.14
681.55
2,918.39
646.90
976.3
220.53
781.45
Debts
VIII. Accounts payable after
more than one year
IX. Accounts payable within
one year
X. Deferred charges and
accrued income
TOTAL LIABILITIES
18,720.17
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - TUC RAIL
TUC RAIL
TUC RAIL
TUC RAIL NV/SA was established in 1992 and is now a subsidiary of Infrabel.
In Belgium, TUC RAIL works mainly for Infrabel's Build division. TUC RAIL
provides the Program Management for major infrastructure projects, carries out
feasibility studies, prepares technical plans and monitors maintenance work. In
the course of its existence, the company has demonstrated great expertise in
different areas within the railway industry, particularly in the area of
infrastructure.
TUC RAIL also supplies its expertise for overseas projects. Since its creation,
the company has proven its experience in the railway sector, particularly in the
area of high­speed lines.
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - TUC RAIL
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Figures for 2014
Figures for 2014
Belgium has one of the densest railway networks in Europe. More information
about Infrabel and the railway infrastructure is set out below, summarised in
some key figures and graphs (as of 31 December 2014). More information can
be found in our Facts & Figures brochure, which contains an overview of the
past year.
12,464
employees (equivalent)
1,088
female employees
152
signal boxes
4,309
switches and crossings on main lines
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Figures for 2014
3,631
kilometres of track
11,637
civil engineering works
5,832
kilometres of catenary
10,932
main signals
17
Logistics Centres for Infrastructure
42
LCI antennas
1,818
level crossings
6,198
kilometres of sleepers
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Figures for 2014
“The Information & Communication Technology
division has been an integral part of Infrabel since
1 January 2014. In a world that is constantly
evolving technologically, the employees of the I­
ICT department come up with, design and supply
the most appropriate applications for managing
the rail network: GSM­R, New Traffic
Management and Smarter­M, among others. We
also provide Infrabel staff with the IT and telecom
resources required to successfully carry out their
daily work. In the future we will continue to
develop our expertise in order to provide the best
possible support to the different Infrabel
departments, while respecting the important
requested budgetary savings."
Eric Mercier
Director Information & Communication
Technology
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Our clients
Our clients
2014 was the first year since the liberalisation of the freight and international
passenger traffic markets where the number of rail companies operating on the
Belgian network fell. At the end of 2014 Infrabel had 15 customers, of whom 13
had been active.
For freight transport there were 13 approved operators at the end of 2014, of
whom 11 were actually running trains. These were SNCB­Logistics,
CAPTRAIN, CFL­Cargo, Crossrail Benelux NV, DB Schenker Rail Nederland
N.V., EuroCargoRail, Europorte, RailTraxx, Rotterdam Rail Feeding, SNCF Fret
and Trainsport. The operators ERS and PKP Cargo were approved, but did not
make use of the rail network in 2014. Compared to 2013, operators Rurtalbahn
and Thello no longer had a safety certificate for operating on the Belgian rail
network.
In May 2015, high­speed train operator Thalys, an international partnership
between the railway operators SNCF, Deutsche Bahn, NS and SNCB became
a full passenger operator. Once Thalys became independent in Belgium and
France, Infrabel had 16 operators.
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Sustainable development Report
Sustainable development Report
Vision
Infrabel aims to support sustainable development and future generations by
developing a safe, high­quality rail network. In this respect, it also helps to
define more sustainable mobility with other modes of transport, to limit nuisance
associated with its activities and to educate and empower its staff around
sustainable development issues.
Dialogue with stakeholders
Since its creation in 2005, Infrabel has been very attentive to its stakeholders
and ensures that, in so far as possible, their expectations are built into the
company's strategy. In order to promote dialogue with its stakeholders, Infrabel
has implemented various consultation and dialogue initiatives such as:
• Identification of stakeholder managers, media and strategic monitoring
project, satisfaction surveys, round­table discussions, etc. (for external
stakeholders);
• Identification of CSR ambassadors, trusted persons, organisation of site visits
and roadshows, meetings with workers' representative organisations, etc. (for
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internal stakeholders).
These initiatives enable Infrabel to link up its strategic priorities, sustainable
development issues and stakeholders' expectations, as well as identifying the
"relevant aspects" of the annual report and the sustainability report.
In view of the high number of stakeholders and their diversity, in 2014 Infrabel
decided to launch an extensive project aimed at deepening the entire
stakeholder consultation approach. The objective being to identify all existing
channels, areas for improvement and/or missing channels, and to link them up
with Infrabel's CSR issues.
A summary of Infrabel's main stakeholder categories is given below:
Direct customers (railway operators, etc.),
Indirect customers (passengers),
Public authorities,
Business partners (suppliers, contractors, etc.),
Subsidiaries,
Local communities (local residents, environmental associations, etc.),
Mobility partners (ports, public transport companies, etc.),
Employees (staff, workers' representative organisations, etc.),
…
Ethics and integrity
Infrabel adopts an active policy with regard to ethics and integrity within the
company. To this end, Infrabel has a code of conduct covering the main ethical
principles applying within the company. Each member of staff has received a
copy (in French or Dutch), and each new employee receives a copy on
"Welcome Day" (induction session for new employees). Various initiatives have
also been put in place to ensure that this code of conduct is followed:
Training for team leaders,
Organisation of a quiz for on­site staff,
Compliance officer (for example, with regard to conflicts of interest relating
to public contracts),
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Trusted persons (for example, with regard to psychosocial care),
Awareness posters,
…
Contents of the report
This annual report and sustainability report covers the period from 1 January
2014 to 31 December 2014. It covers the activities of Infrabel in Belgium, but
not the activities of its subsidiaries. The contents of the report have been
defined in line with the expectations of the stakeholders identified during 2014.
This is the third sustainable development report from Infrabel (published
annually). In line with the previous version (published in May 2014) and based
on the focal points of interest of our stakeholders, the information has again
been grouped around the company's five strategic priorities: safety, punctuality,
capacity, finances, in tune with society. The chapter In Tune With Society is in
turn structured around the three pillars of sustainable development (People­
Planet­Profit) and includes a section on "collaboration and solidarity".
Global Reporting Initiative
This 2014 report, which is qualitative, offers a non­exhaustive overview of
projects relating to social responsibility carried out by Infrabel to support
sustainable development. This report contains information under the GRI
Sustainability Reporting Guidelines ("key criteria" version) and has not
undergone external checking.
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The GRI index relating to "Compliance" – Key Criteria
Membership of associations, national or international
organisations
In its efforts to shoulder social responsibilities, Infrabel is an active member of:
Business & Society Belgium (working groups focussing on CSR themes,
training, pilot projects, etc.)
Kauri (focus on stakeholder management)
Be.face (development of community projects)
The International Union of Railways (working groups on sustainable
development, COP 21, safety, sustainable purchasing, etc.)
Security­Quality­Environment (SQE) Declaration
Safety is and remains Infrabel's top priority. Within the scope of its company
policy, Infrabel aims to maintain a sustainable production tool which meets the
expectations of its customers and respects the well­being of its staff, while
protecting the financial stability of the company. The SQE policy includes
operational safety, staff well­being, safety of installations and property, quality
and protection of the environment.
Read Infrabel's Safety Quality Environment statement here (French version).
Company Profile
Infrabel is a limited company under public law which operates solely in Belgium,
with its registered office at Place Marcel Broodthaers Plein 2, 1060 Brussels,
Belgium. As the Belgian railway infrastructure manager, Infrabel has two main
customers: the railway companies that transport passengers and freight in
Belgium, and those companies that have their own connection to the network.
Following the reorganisation of the SNCB group in 2013, Infrabel had four main
subsidiaries in 2014: HR Rail, TUC RAIL, CCB and SYNTIGO.
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Sustainable development Report
For more detailed information on Infrabel products and services, please visit the
Infrabel corporate website (www.infrabel.be).
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Safety
SAFETY FIRST!
The safety of the Belgian railways is Infrabel's number one priority. Since our
establishment in 2005 we have made great strides in raising safety standards
on our railway network to a higher level. Our aim? To be one of the top three
European infrastructure managers in terms of rail safety.
Technology was again at the top of our agenda in 2014. The majority of the
Belgian railway network has now been equipped with an automatic braking
system. But safety goes much further than that. A reliable rail infrastructure and
a strong traffic control system are essential for safe train services. Awareness,
communication and training are further key elements of our safety strategy.
Key figures safety 2014
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Safety
288.8MLN€
million invested in safety projects in 2014
10.9
total amount of signals equipped with the
TBL1+ braking system
30
level crossings abolished in 2014
283
level crossings equipped with new electronic
bells in 2014
899KM
total amount of kilometres of main line
equipped with the ETCS signalling system
25
signal boxes centralised in 2014
Signal overruns
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Safety
Since 2010 the number of trains passing a red light has considerably
decreased. This shows, once again, the benefits of implementing automatic
braking systems. Raising awareness and training are other important factors in
which Infrabel is also seriously investing. Safety is definitely more than just
technology!
Read more
Automatic braking systems
In 2010 Infrabel and SNCB launched an ambitious ETCS master plan, involving
a total investment of no less than EUR 3.8 billion. Under this plan we aim to
progressively equip the rail network with the European Train Control System
(ETCS). By the end of 2014 there were 899 kilometres of main line equipped
with this state­of­the­art technology. This makes us a European leader in this
area.
Read more
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Safety
Accidents at level crossings
Infrabel invests each year in the abolishment of some and the improvement of
other level crossings to reduce the number of accidents involving road users. In
2014 we introduced a new, electronic bell at level crossings, as raising
awareness among road users also remains one of our most important action
points.
Read more
Follow us on our Facebook page on railway safety!
In June 2014 Infrabel created a Facebook page for the general public. We want
to use this channel to keep the public informed, especially younger people, and
raise awareness about safety on and in the vicinity of the railways. Take a look
at our Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/securiteferroviaire
A closer look at signalling systems
Just as on the public highway, there are certain traffic rules on railways which
train drivers must obey. The light signals and signal boards tell them when they
can proceed, must slow down or stop. The people working in the signal boxes
monitor train traffic closely. They set the points to the correct positions and
operate the signals. This ensures that a train can travel safely from A to B.
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Safety
The future of traffic management
In order to harmonise and modernise traffic control, we are gradually
centralising signal boxes in larger control centres. The final goal is to have just
10 control centres, equipped with the latest technology.
Read more
GSM for Railways
GSM­R is a communication network using GSM and GPRS for voice and data
transmission. In 2009 Infrabel completed the implementation of its own network
of antennae for the railway network. This means we are no longer dependent
on the capacity of public GSM operators. Public networks are still used for
communication between signal boxes and train drivers, but for the ETCS level 2
safety system the signal information is transmitted to the driver's cab using
GSM­R. So GSM­R is a very important communication system that helps
improve safety on the railways.
Overview "10 years of Infrabel"
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Safety
“ The protection of people on the ground is one of
the levers of our strategic plan and therefore an
absolute priority. In order to reduce accidents at
work to an absolute minimum we try to combine
works in as many different fields as possible
whenever traffic on a certain line is completely
suspended. When traffic on a specific section is
stopped, our people can work on the
infrastructure in complete safety. For corrective ­
and consequently unplanned ­ interventions, we
are developing built­in safety systems. Thanks to
these technologies, trains can only proceed once
the track has been completely cleared."
Luc Vansteenkiste
Director Asset Management
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Safety
Protecting employees
Working on the tracks is never risk­free. To protect our people as well as
possible, we focuson proactive maintenance planning and rolling out built­in
safety systems. The aim: to maintain, modernise and expand the railway
network without any accidents at work.
Read more
Crisis management
Infrabel collaborates closely with railway companies and emergency services in
order to be as well prepared as possible for potential crisis situations. It is of
course important that all services that need to collaborate in the event of a
railway incident have sufficient knowledge of the railway sector. We therefore
regularly organise roadshows and information sessions for the emergency
services and civil authorities. We also carry out simulations on the ground.
These crisis exercises are an excellent opportunity to test crisis procedures in a
real situation as well as the reaction time of all parties.
Annual safety report
As rail infrastructure manager, Infrabel is required to present an annual safety
report to the SSICF safety authority. In this report we provide an overview of
incidents and accidents that occurred during the past year. The document also
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Safety
describes the actions taken to improve safety.
Download the 2014 safety report here (PDF, French version)
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Automatic braking systems
Automatic braking systems
Since our establishment in 2005 we have made strenuous efforts to raise safety
standards on the Belgian rail network step by step. With our ETCS Master Plan
we intend to equip the railway infrastructure with an automatic braking system.
This system ensures that a train will automatically be brought to a halt
whenever it is about to pass a red signal. In an initial phase we aim to equip the
whole of the Belgian network with the TBL1+ automatic braking system. Then
we will switch over to the European Train Control System (ETCS).
ETCS Masterplan
TBL1+ implementation precisely on
schedule
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Automatic braking systems
TBL1+ is an automatic braking system that uses balises in the track to bring a
train to a standstill if it passes a red signal or approaches one too fast. This
braking system is a first step in the implementation of the European Train
Control System (ETCS). Because a few years ago we were still awaiting
approval for ETCS, Infrabel opted to start rolling out the TBL1+ system across
the Belgian network immediately. This allows us to improve safety standards on
our network as quickly as possible. This investment will not be wasted because
the hardware for TBL1+ is identical to ETCS Level 1. In the meantime, the
signals that are equipped with TBL1+ provide approximately 96% effective
coverage. All major junctions have been protected by TBL1+ since 2012. By the
end of 2015 virtually the entire rail network will be equipped.
4,043KM
kilometres of main lines equipped with
TBL1+
5,985
The number of signals equipped with TBL1+
TBL1+ operational on all passenger trains
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Automatic braking systems
TBL1+ can only work if the rolling stock also has the correct equipment on
board. In order to improve safety, a close partnership with all the different
railway operators who use our network is essential. All SNCB passenger trains
have now been equipped with TBL1+. And the largest freight operator ­ SNCB
Logistics ­ continues to equip its fleet step by step. In addition, other freight
operators have also made commitments to this end. Finally, Infrabel's own fleet
of work trains is TBL1+ compatible since 2014.
ETCS, a European safety standard
The European Train Control System constantly monitors the speed of a train.
Whenever it exceeds the maximum permitted speed, ETCS corrects the speed
or activates the emergency brake. ETCS is also a cab signalling system by
means of which the train driver receives all the instructions for driving on a
screen in the cab. As ETCS is a standardised European signalling system, it
benefits international rail traffic. Currently each EU member state is still using
its own national safety system, with all the consequences that entails.
2 levels of ETCS
ETCS
ETCS
LEVEL
LEVEL
1
2
Constant monitoring of the train
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Automatic braking systems
speed
Emergency braking if the maximum
authorised speed is exceeded
STOP functionality in case of
passing a red signal
Transmission of information via
balises placed at the foot of signals,
but also up the line from them
Transmission of information from the
ground to the driver’s cab and
inversely via GSM­R antennas
An ETCS pioneer
At the end of 2014 there were 899 kilometres of track equipped with the
European Train Control System. In October 2014 we also had the longest
single stretch in Europe, no less than 160 kilometres in length, equipped with
ETCS. This is the main line between Namur and the Luxembourg border, also
known as the "Athus­Meuse" freight route. Infrabel is one of the first rail
infrastructure managers to install ETCS not only on the high­speed network but
generally on the conventional network. We are currently giving priority to the
large international freight axes that pass through our country.
144KM
kilometres of main line on high­speed lines
equipped with ETCS
755KM
kilometres of main line on conventional rail
lines equipped with ETCS
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Automatic braking systems
FREIGHT CORRIDORS
In order to harmonise track signalling across borders, the EU is co­financing
investments in ETCS. The EU’s main focus is on 9 priority freight rail axes.
Given that ETCS contributes to safe and rapid cross­border transport, it will
also help reduce the number of trucks on the roads. Every year approximately
7500 freight trains make use of the "Rotterdam/Antwerp­Luxembourg­
Basel/Lyon" axis, accounting for approximately 9 million tonnes of freight. This
freight – the annual equivalent of about 300,000 large trucks ­ is transported
mainly in containers travelling to and from the Port of Antwerp. The EU
contributes around EUR 29 million to the installation of ETCS on the Belgian
part of the international freight corridor.
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Signal overruns
Signal overruns
The number of trains passing a red light is one of the most important indicators
for rail safety. Together with the railway operators we endeavour to continually
reduce the number of signal overruns. Since 2010 the number of trains passing
a red light has considerably decreased. We are continuously investing in the
implementation of automatic braking systems on the Belgian railway network.
But raising awareness and training train drivers is of vital importance as well.
Reduction in signal overruns since 2010
In 2014 66 trains – out of a total of +/­ 1.3 million– passed a red light on one of
the main lines on the Belgian rail network. That is a slight increase compared to
2013. That year just 56 trains passed red lights. Compared to 2010, however, it
is a reduction of 37%, which demonstrates the importance of our investments in
safety. The number of signals passed at danger (e.g. crossing another track at
points) also rose from 29 in 2013 to 38 in 2014.
Number of signals passed at danger
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Signal overruns
Number of signal overruns per year
Fewer passenger trains passing red lights
The number of passenger trains passing a red light has continued to fall in
2014. Since 2010 we have seen a decrease of no less than 50%. Since the end
of 2013 all SNCB passenger trains have been equipped with the TBL1+
automatic braking system. By the end of 2014 the signals equipped with TBL1+
provided effective coverage of around 96% of the network. The slight increase
in the number of trains passing red lights in the last year is therefore mainly due
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Signal overruns
to freight and work trains.
Action plan with extra proactive safety measures
Although investments in the installation of automatic braking systems are
clearly bearing fruit, further specific action is needed. For example, in
collaboration with the rail operators active in Belgium we take measures to
reduce risk through the organisation of all rail traffic. To achieve this we are
investigating how to optimise communication with train drivers regarding train
journeys. Another study is looking at reducing the number of red lights that
trains encounter by adjusting the timetables.
Raising awareness and training
Raising awareness, training and supervision of those involved in signal
overruns are among the pillars of the action plan to further improve safety on
the Belgian railways. That is why Infrabel is organising various training and
discussion forums with rail operators and their staff. We have been organising
information days for all new train drivers on the Belgian rail network since 2011.
This way we offer them a glimpse behind the scenes at Infrabel. We also
organise special awareness and training modules about signal overruns for
work train drivers and pilot escorts who are employed by Infrabel.
LEARNING LESSONS
Signal overruns do not go unnoticed in the railway world. Every two months,
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Signal overruns
Infrabel, the various rail operators and the relevant authorities come together to
analyse the incidents that have occurred. This enables us, jointly with the rail
operators, to look into whether and if so how any incident could have been
avoided. This might involve making changes to the infrastructure (e.g. placing a
repeat signal), cutting back vegetation, adjusting the rules, etc.
For each signal that is passed more than once during a period of 2 years
Infrabel carries out a detailed study. The measures arising from these analyses
are meant to reduce the number of signal overruns in the future.
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Accidents at level crossings
Accidents at level crossings
Because every victim is one too many, Infrabel is continuing to fully implement
its strategy of increasing safety around level crossings. On the one hand, we
apply infrastructure­related measures such as removing and replacing level
crossings, along with modernising and updating road signs. On the other hand,
we also organise awareness campaigns each year to make road users more
aware of the safety rules. Here we focus on the very young, because it's never
too early to learn good habits!
Removing and replacing level crossings
In 2014 there were 47 accidents on level crossings, of which 11 were fatal. This
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Accidents at level crossings
is once again a slight increase compared to the previous year. In 2013 Infrabel
recorded 42 accidents with 6 fatalities.
Most accidents at level crossings are the result of road users not paying
attention or being careless. Failing to respect the road signs at level crossings
involves huge risks for car drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. A train cannot just
stop or avoid an object or person. Infrabel remains committed to using
campaigns to raise people's awareness of the safety rules that apply at level
crossings.
We are also pressing ahead with our strategy of removing level crossings.
Replacing them with bridges, tunnels or a diversion alongside the track
completely eliminates the risk to road users. The maintenance and
modernisation of the signals at level crossings is also a major priority. In 2014
we invested EUR 18 million in the abolishment, replacement and renewal of
level crossings. Our subsidiary TUC RAIL assists us with this removal strategy
and has taken over the program management, studies and implementation of a
number of projects.
30
level crossings removed in 2014
18MLN€
million euros invested in the removal,
replacement and renewal of level crossings
in 2014
NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS ON LEVEL CROSSINGS
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Accidents at level crossings
A NEW BELL SOUND
In 2014 Infrabel began changing the bell sound at Belgian level crossings. The
new bell is now electronic instead of mechanical, and has a much longer
lifespan. This is good news for our maintenance teams who will not need to set
aside as much time as before for maintaining and replacing the old, mechanical
bells. The new bell makes an undulating sound that is unidirectional. This
means that the sound can be heard easily by road users, but not by nearby
residents. The changeover of the level crossing bells is to take place gradually.
By 2016, all Belgian level crossings should be equipped with this bell.
For more information see www.lesonquisauve.be .
Lesson package
Learning through play
In its awareness campaigns, Infrabel also focuses on raising awareness among
schoolchildren. We have developed a range of initiatives to get the message
across in the classroom through play. Our annual Big School Calendar has now
become a fixture in primary schools. The calendar stands out as a useful tool
that also teaches children about the safety rules alongside the tracks.
Moreover, in 2013 we developed an educational game to familiarise children
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Accidents at level crossings
with the rules at level crossings, alongside the track and on platforms in a fun
way. In 2014 we went one step further and developed a ready­made lesson
package for teachers. The lesson plan and the associated teaching materials
can be downloaded from our website.
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - The future of traffic management
The future of traffic management
Keeping trains running safely and on time not only requires a fully equipped
railway network, but also involves a whole range of systems in our signal boxes
and related principles. With the ‘New Traffic Management’ program, Infrabel
aims to develop a modern, efficient working process that will make it possible in
the long term to centralise the signal boxes all over the country to just 10
signalling centres. This radical modernisation programme is based on two core
principles: creating a better, ergonomic working environment and implementing
new ICT systems that will improve rail traffic management.
Fewer signal boxes for greater safety
The centralisation of signal boxes is closely linked to the modernisation of traffic
management. This project consists of grouping regionally scattered signal
boxes over the long term into 10 centralised signalling centres, equipped with
the most powerful systems. This centralisation of point and signal management
will result in larger­scale and more user­friendly processing of train data, which
in turn will contribute to improved efficiency in traffic management. The
signalling equipment on the tracks is also to be renewed as a part of this.
Of 368 signal boxes initially, by the end of 2014 there were 152 left on the list to
be centralised. Infrabel is supported by TUC Rail which handles the project
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - The future of traffic management
management and ensures that the project is carried out with optimum resource
management and a clear definition of each party's responsibilities.
2005
2017
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - The future of traffic management
2022
Towards higher quality traffic
management
Ergonomics are obviously an important factor in the working environment of our
employees. Therefore the New Traffic Management focuses on implementing a
structural reorganisation with a clear division of roles. The signal box as we
know it will gradually evolve into a space where consultation is key. Work
islands will replace the current theatre­style set­up, enabling easier
collaboration. In addition, each operator will manage a larger action area and,
with the help of the brand new ROCS (Rail Operating Control System), user
interface will have an ergonomic overview screen.
The introduction of automated traffic control systems will also have a positive
impact on the safety and punctuality of rail traffic. The Traffic Management
System (TMS) is a real time support system that will know the current situation
of rail traffic at all times and can make an accurate prediction of the journey
time. What if there is a problem? Then the system is linked to Automatic
Routesetting (ARS) that will automatically map out the best route. Proposals
that would compromise safety in any way are rejected.
Thanks to these changes, Infrabel will aim for even higher quality traffic
management from 2016 onwards. Automation of routine tasks not only
simplifies rules, but also frees up our employees, allowing them to concentrate
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - The future of traffic management
on handling any incidents that occur. We keep at a proactive and clear
approach for a safe and punctual rail network.
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Occupational safety
Occupational safety
For Infrabel, safety not only involves operational safety, but also the safety of
our employees. On the one hand we endeavour to plan, combine and carry out
our maintenance works when tracks are out of service, thus eliminating the risk
of accidents. On the other hand, we implement warning and safety systems for
repairs and other works that cannot be planned far in advance. Working on or
alongside the track while it is in use is never without risk!
The ATW­Tx safety system
Until recently, the safety of the maintenance staff on the track depended solely
on the so­called lookouts. They watch for oncoming trains and warn their
colleagues so that they can clear the track in time. We want to gradually move
towards a system where the maintenance teams work with closed signals and
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Occupational safety
train movements do not resume until the maintenance teams have cleared the
tracks. The ATW­Tx system is a safety system that is linked to the EBP
electronic information system used in the signal boxes. Whenever a train
approaches the worksite, the lookout receives a message on a device. As soon
as all staff have cleared the way, the lookout confirms via the device that the
track is passable again. Only then can the signal box give the train permission
to continue its journey. ATW­Tx should be rolled out across the entire Belgian
network by 2025.
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Punctuality
TRAINS ON TIME
Every day, about 800,000 passengers rely on the railways to reach their
destination on time. Over the last decade, the number of commuters has risen
very sharply, which means that the Belgian railways are gradually hitting the
limits of their capacity, with all the consequences that entails. In addition,
mobility requirements have changed fundamentally compared to 10 years ago.
At the end of 2014, SNCB and Infrabel jointly launched a new national
transportation plan in order to take up all these new challenges. Infrabel also
works closely with SNCB on various measures to further improve punctuality
levels.
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Punctuality
88.2%
Trains on time or with a delay of less than 6
minutes
2.4%
Train cancellations
90.0%
Rate of ensured connections in 10 of the
country’s main stations
RESPONSIBILITIES
PUNCTUALITY ON ARRIVAL AT 8 MAJOR STATIONS
OUTSIDE BRUSSELS
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Punctuality
PUNCTUALITY FOR THE 10 MAIN LINES ARRIVING
INTO BRUSSELS
Punctuality levels
The punctuality of train traffic is calculated using fixed measuring points along
the tracks. Punctuality is measured on arrival of each train at its terminal station
and ­ if the train runs through the Brussels North­South junction ­ in the
Brussels Midi and Brussels North stations. The punctuality rate is the
percentage of trains that is delayed by 6 or less minutes upon arrival at these
measuring points.
In 2014 the punctuality rate rose compared with the previous years: 88.2% of
all trains reached its destination on time or with a delay of less than 6 minutes.
This percentage also included delays caused by major infrastructure works.
Infrabel and SNCB are responsible for respectively 25.8% and 36.4% of the
delays.
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Punctuality
Railway track trespassers
Trespassers are people who walk onto or alongside the tracks, without having
any authorisation to do so. Not only do they put their own lives at risk, due to
their behaviour, they also cause major delays to rail traffic. Infrabel organises
awareness actions among the public and also takes infrastructure­related
measures to put an end to these infringements.
Read more
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Punctuality
“ Infrabel has made every effort to ensure a
smooth introduction of the new transport plan, in
close partnership with SNCB. Our people have
contributed to the preparation and launch of the
transport plan by carrying out computer
simulations to test the robustness of the new
timetable, allocating all the required train paths,
guaranteeing an optimum infrastructure,
participating in a Monitoring Committee with
SNCB as well as strengthening the teams in the
signal boxes and on the ground to ensure the
smoothest possible launch of the plan."
Ann Billiau
Director Traffic Management & Services
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Punctuality
Cable theft
There was an explosion in the number of cable theft incidents on the Belgian
railway network between 2009 and 2012. Infrabel and SNCB therefore
launched a national anti­cable theft plan to minimise the impact of this type of
criminal behaviour on rail traffic. Clearly, the various measures have been
extremely successful. The number of cases of cable theft fell in 2014 by an
amazing 73%! This is the lowest figure recorded in the last 6 years.
Read more
Damage to the railway infrastructure
Damage to the railway infrastructure can have a major impact on the
punctuality of train traffic. For example, trucks with excessively high loads
regularly cause delays due to damage to the overhead lines at level crossings.
There is one incident every month on average. A small mistake can very quickly
affect thousands of passengers. Points for the future
In 2014, we installed the first concrete railway ties. A first for Belgium, weighing
32 tonnes a piece! Points supported by concrete ties are noticeably heavier
than conventional ones, which makes their installation a bit more complicated.
But concrete sleepers have several advantages: not only are they more durable
and easier to maintain, they are also more environmentally friendly than
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Punctuality
wooden ones. These new points on concrete ties are produced in the
workshops at Schaerbeek.
A reliable infrastructure
A well­maintained and operationally safe rail network is essential for safe and
punctual rail traffic. The maintenance and renewal of the rail infrastructure is
one of the most important tasks in our role as infrastructure manager. As our
railway network is one of the densest in Europe, we face a major challenge.
Read more
From Traffic Control to Railway Operations Center
At the end of 2006, Infrabel opened its national Traffic Control dispatching
centre. This brand new traffic coordination centre brought together the previous
local and regional traffic controllers. The new centre was equipped with high­
tech installations in order to allow even better coordination of rail traffic in real
time, and to make sure that the customers had the correct and latest
information at all times.
In 2014, Traffic Control merged with SNCB's Passenger Dispatching to form a
single large traffic control centre: the ‘Railway Operations Center’. The aim:
faster cooperation and efficient communication, in order to benefit incident
handling... and improve punctuality!
The ‘Railway Operations Center’ is an ultra­modern control centre. With an area
of 540 m² and no less than 55 employees, the ROC is on hand 24 hours a day,
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7 days a week. The construction of the control room took 8 months to complete,
and came in at a cost of EUR 1.5 million.
Overview "10 years of Infrabel"
A new transport plan
SNCB and Infrabel have been working together on a brand new transport plan
for domestic passenger traffic. This plan defines the timetables, the
connections and the length of the trains for each time period and line. Thanks
to improved matching of demand and supply, we have been successful in
exploiting the existing capacity as efficiently as possible. Good news for
punctuality and the regularity of rail traffic.
Read more
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Railway track trespassers
Railway track trespassers
"Your life is worth a detour. Never walk onto the tracks!” That is the message of
a national awareness campaign that we ran in June 2014 to emphasise the
risks of walking on the tracks. In order to further combat trespassing, we have
taken a number of infrastructure­related steps. All this remains necessary
because in 2014, as in previous years, the number of fatalities due to this type
of infringement was very high, despite awareness campaigns carried out in the
past.
Tragic statistics
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In 2014, 9 deaths and 7 serious injuries occurred involving people who were
walking on or near the tracks without authorisation. That is an even higher toll
than in 2013, when 9 were killed and 3 seriously injured. The number of
confirmed cases rose from 477 in 2013 to 509 in 2014. Over the last 5 years,
the number of people trespassing on railway lines has almost tripled.
Just walking onto tracks is a fatally dangerous act and causes a lot of delays
and inconvenience for passengers. As soon as a person is reported on the
tracks, all trains on the line in question have to come to a standstill. In 2014,
there were over 3.5 hours of delays per day. Many people did not mean any
harm and just wanted to save a bit of time by taking a shortcut. But walking on
the tracks is strictly forbidden and can lead to heavy fines. And let’s not forget
train drivers, for whom dealing with people on the tracks is a terrifying
experience...
NUMBER OF MINUTES OF DELAY DUE TO
TRESPASSERS ON THE TRACK EACH YEAR
Hard and soft measures
Infrabel, SNCB and the railway police jointly take various measures to put an
end to trespassing. For example, in 2014, we ran a national awareness
campaign on this topic using a very explicit video. We also carry out targeted
communication campaigns in places where multiple cases of trespassing were
recorded. The patrols that the railway police carries out several times per year
at hotspots should have a deterrent effect as well.
Besides raising people's awareness, we are also taking infrastructure­related
and technical measures, such as installing fences and warning notices at the
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most vulnerable places on the railway network. In 2013, we also started a pilot
project with anti­trespass grids alongside a level crossing in Wavre. Given the
positive results, more of these grids with hard rubber panels on which walking is
almost impossible will be rolled out at the most vulnerable places.
RAISING AWARENESS IN SCHOOLS
At the request of several schools who are regularly confronted with trespassing
incidents, we decided in 2014 to set up a dialogue with the pupils, also
involving Securail employees and/or the railway police. In this way we want to
raise awareness among pupils and inform them about the specific situation
near their school.
Measures against suicide
In 2014, 200 suicide attempts were registered on the Belgian railway network,
of which 97 resulted in the death of the person involved. That is an increase
compared to 2013. The number of attempts, in particular, showed a steep
increase in 2014. Infrabel is taking various measures, set out in its action plan
against suicides, such as the closing off of access to the tracks in hotspots,
wherever possible.
Moreover, we support organisations for suicide prevention, such as Tele­
Onthaal, the 'Zelfmoordlijn' and 'Werkgroep Verder'. We also collaborate with
psychiatric hospitals located near suicide hotspots and with scientists carrying
out research into suicide. Furthermore, we are evaluating the results of pilot
projects with thermal cameras and blue LED lighting, which is thought to induce
a calming effect, countering acts of desperation.
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NUMBER OF SUICIDE ATTEMPTS EACH YEAR
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Cable theft
Cable theft
Cable theft has a huge impact on the punctuality and regularity of rail traffic.
Each cable plays an important role within our signalling system, and is
therefore vital to the safety of rail transport. Once a cable is removed or
damaged, no more trains can travel through until it is replaced and/or repaired.
The measures Infrabel and SNCB have initiated against this form of criminal
activity bear fruit.
Spectacular fall in the number of cases of
cable theft
In 2013, Infrabel launched its national action plan against cable theft. This plan
contains joint measures by Infrabel, SNCB, the police and the government.
These actions include technical measures, awareness campaigns and legal
measures. Specific examples are burying cables, replacing copper with
aluminium, video surveillance, joint patrols with the police, a new law that bans
cash purchases of copper, a poster campaign, etc.
Thanks to this multi­disciplinary approach, the number of cable thefts fell
spectacularly in 2014. Last year, there were 217 cases, compared to 810 in
2013. This is the lowest number recorded in the last 6 years. Despite this fall,
all the parties involved are determined to continue with their efforts over the
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next few years.
NUMBER OF MINUTES' DELAY DUE TO CABLE
THEFT
A CABLE KIT FOR SCRAP DEALERS AND POLICE
FORCES
Scrap dealers and recycling companies are often indirect victims of cable
thieves. They run the risk of having to pay for the cable thefts if they – even
without their knowing – purchase stolen material. That is why we provided them
with a kit of the cable pieces that are most frequently stolen from the Belgian
railway network. This makes it easier for them to identify stolen copper. The
same kit was sent to all relevant police forces.
Targeted police checks
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Infrabel, SNCB and federal police carry out targeted checks using infrared
cameras in order to catch copper thieves red­handed.
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - A reliable infrastructure
A reliable infrastructure
Over the next ten years a large number of infrastructure components will reach
the end of their lifespan. For example, 25% of the overhead lines will need to
be replaced. In the light of the budgetary savings that we need to make as a
result of the economic situation, we are thus faced with a huge challenge.
Safety, both operational and at work, remains the top priority. Moreover, our
Asset Management department, that is responsible for the management,
maintenance, replacement and modernisation of the infrastructure, is carrying
out various modernisation programmes to significantly improve cost efficiency.
The computerisation and automation of the maintenance processes are vital
components to this development.
Computerisation to become more
efficient
Thanks to new computerised tools, diagnostic systems and measuring
equipment on our work trains, we aim to make the various maintenance and
renewal tasks significantly more efficient over the next few years. For example,
we launched a new computerised tool for signalling systems which centralises
all the maintenance data, allowing weekly updates of KPIs. More disciplines are
soon to be integrated into this system.
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A CONTROL ROOM FOR THE RAILWAY
INFRASTRUCTURE
The Rail Infrastructure Operations Center (RIOC), is the future nerve centre for
the railway infrastructure. This control room was set up in 2012 and has, since
then at 24/7, registered and centralised all fault messages in the signalling
system. The other disciplines (track, civil engineering structures, etc.) are also
to be monitored by this control room as soon as the computerisation of the
detection equipment is completed.
Managing weather conditions and natural
phenomena
The railway infrastructure is subject to many external influences. Extreme
weather and temperature changes, for example, need to be proactively
managed in order to reduce their impact on the tracks: heavy snowfalls, ice, a
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heatwave,... When these phenomena occur, we need to make sure that our
maintenance teams are on stand­by, we need to take the necessary steps and
apply the necessary adjustments. Some obvious examples are heating points,
using cleaning trains to remove fallen leaves, checking expansion joints, etc.
Trees and branches that have been blown down or have fallen can also create
problems and cause delays on the railway network. The Infrabel maintenance
teams prune trees on the railway domain as necessary, but trees and other
vegetation on bordering land can also create problems. In 2014 we mailed out
an information brochure to raise awareness among the owners of property
alongside the tracks. Our neighbours can contribute directly to safety on the
railways!
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - A new transport plan
A new transport plan
On 14 December 2014, SNCB launched a new national transport plan. This
plan defines the transport offer, based on today's mobility requirements. The
new plan was highly necessary as the previous one dated as far back as 1998.
A great deal has changed in the area of mobility in the meantime. The
preparation and launch of the plan has been very challenging for Infrabel as
well. In our role as infrastructure manager we are responsible for the allocation
of network capacity to the different railway operators: a complex balancing act.
The 4 principles of the new transport plan
HOMOGENEOUS SPREAD
Trains with the same destination are more evenly spread per hour. The
transport plan aims to have regular intervals between trains.
MORE REGULAR TIMETABLE
Trains have regular timetables as far as possible. A train in a given
direction leaves every hour at exactly the same time.
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IDENTICAL CONNECTION TIMES
Connection times are coordinated for as many connections as possible on
the same line, for outgoing and return journeys.
SAME TYPES OF TRAIN
As far as possible the same types of train are used on the same route
A necessary change
The new transport plan of SNCB lays down all timetables, connections, the
number and length of the trains according to the time of day and the line. A plan
such as this has become indispensable because the number of daily rail
passengers has increased by 70% in only a few years' time, and, what's more,
the transport needs have also changed substantially.
With this new transport plan, SNCB wants to offer travellers more reliable
services, more realistic travelling times and a more regular timetable.
Allocation of train paths
As infrastructure manager Infrabel is responsible for the fair distribution of the
rail capacity between the various freight and passenger operators. In doing so,
we attempt to meet the needs of our customers as well as possible. The
balancing act that our people had to perform when allocating capacity as part of
the new transport plan has been an important challenge for all of us. There are
of course many variables that had to be taken into account, ranging from train
characteristics to different aspects of the rail infrastructure.
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Capacity
A RAILWAY NETWORK FOR ALL THE
TRAINS OF TOMORROW
The Belgian rail network is one of the busiest rail networks in Europe. Capacity
on our network is currently approaching saturation at several junctions. To
further develop the rail network into a sustainable means of transport and to be
able to continue to meet the needs of both our customers and end­users, we
are investing in a number of major projects to expand capacity.
This is a huge challenge for the future. We not only need to provide a suitable
response to the growing demand for rail mobility, we also have to take into
account the increasing pressure on financial resources in the current climate of
cost­savings. Our investment strategy focuses primarily on mobility in and
around Brussels, the principal rail axes in Belgium and the continued growth of
the Belgian ports, which are major hubs for our economy.
Number of passenger and freight
operators on the Belgian network
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3
active passenger operators on the belgian
rail network
Thalys, independent operator from 31/03/2015
13
freight operators admitted on the belgian rail
network
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Number of train paths per year:
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Capacity
2012
1,660,075
2013
1,622,949
2014
1,578,742
Liefkenshoek rail link now in service!
In December 2014 rail freight operators were able to begin commercial use of
the new Liefkenshoek rail link. This new, direct link between Antwerp's left and
right banks breathes new life into freight traffic to and from the Port of Antwerp.
Read more
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“ The opening of the new Liefkenshoek rail link on
9 December 2014 was the culmination of around
six years of intensive work. The Liefkenshoek
project is a great example of a successful
complementary relationship between a large
number of partners, and so it was an honour for
the employees of BUILD and TUC RAIL to be
able to actively collaborate and bring their
expertise to this challenging and ambitious
project. Cooperation with the other departments
within Infrabel and the many external parties also
ran smoothly. All in all, a real success for
Infrabel!"
Dirk Demuynck
Director Build
A Diabolo link for Brussels Airport
On 10 June 2012 the Diabolo rail connection was officially inaugurated. Thanks
to this northern rail access, the airport is now directly connected to the major
rail lines of the national network and, via the international rail axes, also to a
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number of European cities. In 2005 Infrabel had already opened the Nossegem
Curve, a new direct rail link between Brussels Airport and Leuven. This enables
Brussels Airport to develop into one of the airports with the best rail access in
Europe. The Diabolo line is fully equipped with ETCS technology.
Overview "10 years of Infrabel"
Regional Express Network
To relieve some of the pressure on rail mobility in and around Brussels, we
have expanded capacity on the main rail lines to and from the capital. A key link
in this Regional Express Network is the new Schuman­Josaphat tunnel, that
connects rail lines 161 (Brussels­Ottignies) and 26 (Halle­Vilvoorde). This new
rail link will not only relieve pressure on the Brussels North­South rail link, but
will also soon provide a direct link between the European Quarter and Brussels
Airport.
Read more
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300 km/h on the Belgian railways
In 2009 we saw the full commissioning of the Belgian high­speed network. This
makes us the first European country to have a complete, border­to­border high­
speed network. This puts Brussels at the centre of Europe like never before...
The high­speed network consists of 3 axes, where high­speed lines in their own
beds have been integrated with the existing rail network. The first axis, HSL1,
links Brussels (Halle) to the French border. The second axis ­ towards Germany
­ is made up of HSL 2 alongside the E40 motorway (Leuven­Liège), and HSL 3
(between Liège and the German border). The third axis to the Netherlands
consists of HSL 4, linking Antwerp to the Dutch border.
Overview "10 years of Infrabel"
A rail bypass for Mechelen
Infrabel is laying two new tracks and the platforms for them at the rear of
Mechelen Station. This capacity expansion is an extension of the Diabolo
project and confirms the central position of Mechelen in the Belgian railway
network. Thanks to the Mechelen rail bypass, trains will be able to pass through
Mechelen station at higher speeds and we can guarantee train traffic will run
more smoothly on the Brussels ­ Mechelen ­ Antwerp ­ Netherlands route. The
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rail bypass is also useful for the Regional Express Network that will contribute
to a significant improvement in mobility in and around Brussels.
Construction work on the railway bypass started in June 2013, and the project
is being coordinated by our subsidiary TUC RAIL. The total estimated
investment by Infrabel for the Mechelen rail bypass is EUR 170 million.
Fast tracks to Luxembourg
The Brussels­Luxembourg axis connects the Belgian capital with the Grand
Duchy of Luxembourg via rail lines 161 (Brussels­Namur) and 162 (Namur­
Sterpenich). This railway link is not just an important access axis towards the
South. It also serves as a route within the Rotterdam­Antwerp­Basel/Lyon
international freight corridor. Infrabel is modernising the rail infrastructure of this
strategic European rail axis and is re­electrifying the entire line. The aim: to
reduce the travel time between Brussels­Luxembourg station and the
Luxembourg border by 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the train type.
Good news for rail traffic to and from the
coast
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Since February 2015, the new single­track Blauwe Toren viaduct at Bruges
station has been helping to improve regularity and capacity for passenger and
freight trains running to and from the coast. Just outside Bruges station the rail
line towards the coast divides into a number of lines, where trains between
Blankenberge, Zeebrugge, Knokke­Heist and Bruges needed to cross paths on
a single level. During peak hours, and in the high season, this busy rail junction
had a visible impact on the punctuality of rail traffic in the region.
Thanks to the viaduct, the track from Blankenberge to Bruges now passes
above the Bruges­Zeebrugge rail line. The trains are therefore no longer
crossing paths on the same level. This is not only safer, it is also better for the
punctuality and smooth running of the local train traffic. With this viaduct, up to
30% more trains can be deployed on busy days without having to lay extra
track.
So it is also good news for the development of the port of Zeebrugge! Thanks
to a number of investment projects Infrabel is increasing the rail capacity in and
around the port area. This is to actively support the future growth of rail
transport in the port and to allow this major centre of economic activity to open
up to the rest of the continent.
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Liefkenshoek rail link now in service!
Liefkenshoek rail link now in service!
The Liefkenshoek rail link is breathing new life into the Port of Antwerp. Thanks
to this ­ until recently ­ missing link, a direct freight connection between the left
and right banks of the Scheldt is now a reality. This investment fits in with our
strategy of supporting further growth in the Port of Antwerp. We aim to transport
15% of container traffic into the Port of Antwerp by rail by 2030. Rail and water
are indeed perfect partners for European freight traffic!
The teams at TUC RAIL, our subsidiary, took responsibility for program
management, studies and monitoring of the construction works (under the
Public Private Partnership). They were also responsible for equipping the track
for the new stretch of track.
A birds­eye view of the Liefkenshoek rail
connection
The Liefkenshoek rail link is a dual­track stretch running for 16.2 kilometres,
with more than half the route underground.
Infrabel laid a new track bed from the South Yard to the existing Beveren
Tunnel, a distance of 6.7 kilometres. It was completely renovated and modified.
The route then runs along an open cutting up to the departure shaft of the
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current Liefkenshoek rail tunnel. The tunnel shafts of the Liefkenshoek rail link
are 6 kilometres long and go down to a depth of 40 metres under the Scheldt
and the B1 and B2 canal docks, making them the longest in Belgium.
Finally, the new rail infrastructure connects with the Antwerpen­Noord
marshalling station via the existing rail tunnel under the R2.
1/3 Track bed South Yard ­ Beveren rail tunnel
3/4 Renovation and modification of existing Beveren rail tunnel
4/5 Access tunnel between the Beveren rail tunnel and drilled tunnels
5/6 single­track drilled tunnels under the Scheldt estuary
6/7 Closed tunnel construction and open access ramp
7> Modification of existing rail tunnel under R2
Facts about the Liefkenshoek rail link
The Liefkenshoek rail link ensures the smooth flow of freight trains between
Antwerp Left Bank and Right Bank. In barely 6 years, we completed the largest
rail project in Belgium. Here are a few key moments from this ambitious project
as they happened…
2006
18/04
Infrabel starts the tender procedure for funding and constructing the
Liefkenshoek rail link.
2008
05/11
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Infrabel completes the tender procedure and enters into a contract with
project company LOCORAIL NV.
12/11
Beginning of the Liefkenshoek rail link work.
2009
17/11
The components of the 102­metre­long tunnelling machine arrive at the
dockyard.
2010
JANUARI
The tunnelling machines begin their underground journey.
2011
16/05
The tunnelling machine reaches the end of its 6­kilometre journey under
the Scheldt. After 1.5 years of excavation, the first of the two single­track
tunnel shafts for the Liefkenshoek rail link becomes a reality.
2012
8/12
Infrabel starts laying the rail infrastructure (track, signalling system and
overhead lines) on the Liefkenshoek rail link.
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2013
SEPTEMBER
All construction work for the Liefkenshoek rail link is completed.
2014
26/02
Infrabel completes the last track work.
16/06
Infrabel organises extensive safety tests on the new Liefkenshoek rail link.
9/12
Official opening of the Liefkenshoek rail link.
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6.7KM
Length of the Liefkenshoek rail link tunnel
shafts.
15M
Average distance the tunnelling machines
excavated daily.
3MLN M³
The tunnelling machines excavated a total of
3 million m³ of earth. That is the equivalent of
1,200 Olympic swimming pools, 2 metres
deep.
873MLN€
Total investment in the Liefkenshoek rail link
An original funding method
The Liefkenshoek rail link was built though a Public Private Partnership in
which the private investor, Locorail NV, spent EUR 690 million on the
construction work. In addition, Infrabel invested EUR 183 million from public
funding for track and signalling installations. The Flemish Region contributed
EUR 107 million to the project to reduce the financial burden within the PPP
during the construction phase.
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Regional Express Network
Regional Express Network
Rail transport offers a sustainable and safe alternative to the overcrowded
roads in and around the capital. The railway capacity in and around Brussels
must therefore be substantially improved in order to offer passengers sufficient
comfort and a regular service. The various modes of public transport must also
connect seamlessly. The construction of a Regional Express Network
(RER/GEN) should ensure future mobility in Brussels.
For the implementation of the RER/GEN project we have called on the
expertise of our subsidiary TUC RAIL, which has taken responsibility for the
program management, preliminary studies, administrative procedures to obtain
permits, carrying out the works and obtaining the necessary approval for
commercial operations.
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Schuman­Josaphat rail link
In 2008, Infrabel started building a new direct railway link between the
European Quarter in Brussels and other important cities across the country,
such as Mechelen, Antwerp, Hasselt, Leuven and Liège, avoiding use of the
North­South Brussels rail link, which is close to saturation point. Thanks to the
Schuman­Josaphat link this economic centre will now also be directly linked to
Brussels National Airport station.
The most important section in this new railway link is the Schuman­Josaphat
tunnel, a new underground railway line between Brussels­Schuman station and
line 26 (Halle – Vilvoorde). In addition, Infrabel, together with Beliris (a joint
venture between the Federal State and Brussels­Capital Region) is
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transforming the Brussel­Schuman station into a multimodal junction. The
existing train and metro station will be renovated and better connections to
other modes of public transport will be provided. In future, the trains will pass
the metro.
Structural work on the tunnel was completed in 2012, and in 2013 the girder
bridges were installed above the metro tracks. These U­shaped structures
made of prefabricated concrete measure 28 metres and weigh 162 tonnes.
They were slotted into place above the metro platforms and tracks. The
Watermaal – Schuman – Josaphat rail connection will be put into operation at
the end of 2015 and is one of the essential links in the future Brussels Regional
Express Network (RER/GEN).
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1,250M
The Schuman­Josaphat tunnel is about
1,250 metres long
255,000M²
In order to create the Schuman­Josaphat
tunnel, 255,000 cubic metres of earth was
excavated
Extra tracks on the main axes around
Brussels
An increase in rail capacity to and from Brussels is only feasible by doubling the
number of tracks on the major traffic axes. The Brussels­Leuven (L36) and
Brussels­Halle (L96) lines have already been expanded from 2 to 4 tracks and
are fully in service.
The capacity increase on the line running between Brussels and Denderleeuw
(L50A) is also well under way. Civil engineering works and the work to equip
the track are now completed. The new tracks are scheduled to come into
service by the end of 2015. On the Brussels­Ottignies (L161) and Brussels­
Nivelles (L124) lines, Infrabel has completed the first phase of the expansion
work at several locations. And on the Brussels­Mechelen line the capacity will
be substantially increased from 4 to 6 tracks.
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Finance
A FINANCIALLY SOUND COMPANY
The financial stability of our company is one of our strategic objectives.
Throughout the first nine years of its existence, Infrabel has succeeded in its
aim of avoiding financial deficits.
The SNCB Group restructuring of 1 January 2014 not only brought about major
changes in relation to Infrabel's activities, but also fundamentally altered the
financial situation for Infrabel as a result of taking over a portion of the financial
debt from the former SNCB Holding, partially offset by taking over a portion of
the public funding.
It is Infrabel's firm intention not to allow this historic debt to grow and even, if
possible, to reduce the debt. Maintaining financial stability each year will more
than ever be the long­term underlying theme of all decisions over the coming
years. This applies to both the allocation of the available resources to
necessary investments and current operating expenditure.
Sources of finance
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(IN MILLION EURO)
TOTAL 1072.9
29.2
European subsidies
105.9
Regional Express Network fund
3.2
HST contribution
105.2
Own funds
829.4
State subsidy
Investments
(IN MILLION EURO)
TOTAL 1072.9
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130.4
Regional Express Network
403.3
Capacity retention
137.0
Capacity expansion (incl. HST)
117.2
Consolidation of signal boxes (incl. New
Traffic Management)
157.4
ETCS & TBL1+
37.8
Reception
89.8
Means of production
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Finance
121MLN€
In 2014 Infrabel posted a positive gross
operating income (EBITDA) of EUR 121
million. This result needs to be high enough
to cover the financial costs of the historic
debt, and also needs to provide a buffer for
the hard to predict effect of provisions under
IFRS international accounting standards.
­3.75MLN€
The overall result (EBT) for 2014, after
deducting the above costs and provisions is
EUR ­3.7 million and so remains close to the
targeted break­even result.
1.073BLN€
In 2014 Infrabel invested EUR 1.073 billion
in the railway network.
784.1MLN€
Of the total investment budget, in 2014
Infrabel invested EUR 784.1 million in the
railway network in order to improve safety
and punctuality.
Financial stability
Financial stability is guaranteed by a strict budgetary policy that is based on the
available resources and requires all actions to be evaluated and monitored.
Despite the first round of cuts to public funding in 2014, and the unfavourable
economic climate, Infrabel managed to come close to a break­even result once
more last year. The investment budget is strictly adhered to on an annual basis
and operating costs were subjected to scrutiny for savings on external
expenditure and more efficient business processes.
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The severe budget cuts imposed by the new government mean Infrabel faces a
new challenge over the next few years. The investment and operating budgets
for 2015 were drawn up with serious attempts to find savings, and controls on
expenditure were reinforced in order to achieve stability. A financial plan and a
multi­year investment plan for the period 2016­2019 are being prepared, with all
additional savings already announced factored in. This will also entail difficult
choices in terms of investment priorities, along with a review of internal
processes and organisation.
The financial debt is being closely tracked by a motivated treasury team that is
well aware of the importance of an excellent financial rating for Infrabel.
A major investor
With investments totalling 1.073 billion euros, Infrabel is once again one of
Belgium's biggest investors. Infrabel is one of the transport sector's biggest
players and its investments support the development of the Belgian economy.
In 2014, we not only invested the government investment grant, but also part of
our own retained earnings from previous years, in maintaining, renewing and
expanding the Belgian railway network.
A new investment plan
Over the next few years, the Belgian railway network still requires substantial
investment to improve the safety of rail transport and to renew and maintain the
existing infrastructure in good condition. Infrabel has to reconcile these
requirements with the precarious economic situation and increased pressure on
government resources.
The budget savings required over the next few years mean that the investment
plan approved in 2013 for the period 2014­2025 needs to be fundamentally
revised. A revised investment programme will shortly be created for the period
2015­2019, for which the priorities of the different projects need to be
evaluated, with absolute priority always being given to investment in safety on
the railways.
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A modern logistical system
Professional supply chain management is of great importance to financial
performance and efficient operations at Infrabel. As part of our maintenance
and renovation strategy, it is essential that the right materials are available in
the right quantities at the right time. The progress of major investment projects
also depends to a great extent on competent supply chain management.
Significant progress has already been made in modernising and reorganising
warehouses and developing Logistic Centres for Infrastructure (LCIs). This
policy will be continued over the next few years as it makes the current stock
situation clearer and reduces stocking volumes.
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“Infrabel is determined to keep its income
statement and investment plan in balance by
means of a strict budgetary policy, despite the
severe budget savings that have been imposed."
Marc Smeets
Director Finance & Business Administration
Annual financial statements
The financial statements contain full information about Infrabel's financial
results for the 2014 financial year.
Statutory financial statements (PDF)
Consolidated financial statements (PDF)
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Society
IN TUNE WITH SOCIETY
For several years, Infrabel has been conducting a Corporate Social
Responsibility approach through its strategic priority "In tune with society". The
objective of this strategic priority is to detect synergies between Infrabel and its
stakeholders in order to prioritise projects linked to the three pillars of
sustainable development: People­Planet­Profit.
Besides the "People­Planet­Profit" projects, which aim to integrate social,
environmental and economic concerns with the company's strategy, Infrabel
has also developed a "Collaboration and Solidarity" project which reflects the
values of the company (Team­Passion­Service).
It is primarily through these various social responsibility projects that Infrabel
intends to contribute to sustainable development, together with its other
strategic priorities (safety, punctuality, capacity and finance) and the
identification of shared values with its stakeholders.
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Society
12,000
Visitors had a look behind the scenes at
some of our sites during Open Business Day
116
Students did their internship at Infrabel
9
Logistics Centres for Infrastructure (LCIs)
obtained their ISO 14001 certificate
16
Technical schools participated in the BERT
project (BElgian Railway Competition for
Technicians)
5
Job Days were organised according to the
principle of “one­day recruitment”
555
Door­to­door mailings were sent by our Info
Residents cell
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People
Through the People pillar, Infrabel firstly aims to guarantee the safety and well­
being of its staff. Secondly, it also intends to reduce disruption to society and,
more particularly, to local residents from its activities. To achieve this, the
human and social aspects form an integral part of Infrabel's concerns.
Read more
Planet
As the rail infrastructure manager, Infrabel contributes to sustainable mobility
and therefore to wider sustainable development issues. Nevertheless, Infrabel
is conscious that its activities also have an impact on the environment. In view
of this, Infrabel is identifying areas in which it is possible to reduce its ecological
footprint without jeopardising safety and punctuality. In line with this
precautionary approach, Infrabel regularly assesses the development of
environmental issues with which it is faced. An environmental risk analysis is
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Society
planned for 2015. In addition, in 2014, Infrabel also expanded its environmental
team.
Read more
Profit
As one of the largest employers and investors in Belgium, Infrabel aims in
particular to stimulate Belgian socio­economic growth, to facilitate socio­
professional integration and to promote responsible purchasing.
Read more
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“ The implementation of a socially responsible
approach must be carried out progressively and in
line with the pace of the company. Success does
not depend on the development of impressive
concepts or discourse, but on a real engagement
on the part of the company at a social level, as
well as the achievement of tangible projects, even
on a small scale. Employees must have the
chance to find their place in the approach, to
make it their own and to commit to concrete social
action."
Benoît Gilson
Director Corporate & Public Affairs
Collaboration and solidarity
Infrabel encourages its employees to share the company's values with local
communities, and to implement collaborative projects expressing solidarity.
Infrabel encourages its employees to share the company's values with local
communities, and to implement collaborative projects expressing solidarity.
Team: Infrabel promotes diversity, team spirit and solidarity at work at all
levels of the company.
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Passion: With pride, enthusiasm, professionalism and a true passion for
the job, Infrabel acts in the interests of the company and the community.
Service: Infrabel places the needs of its customers at the heart of its
actions and considerations.
Discover some of Infrabel's collaborative achievements expressing solidarity.
Read more
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - People
People
Through the People pillar, Infrabel firstly aims to guarantee the safety and well­
being of its staff. Secondly, it also intends to reduce disruption to society and,
more particularly, to local residents from its activities. To achieve this, the
human and social aspects form an integral part of Infrabel's concerns.
Staff
Infrabel is aware that its staff of 12,400 people passionate about the railways
work hard every day to ensure an efficient network. Concerned about the well­
being of its staff, Infrabel strives to promote better working conditions
(modernisation of buildings, centralisation of signal boxes, development of a
bottom­up approach, etc.) as well as various initiatives with a view to ensuring
operational continuity following numerous retirements. Infrabel not only invests
in training its staff but also in working with schools to generate interest among
young people with regard to employment in the rail sector.
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Student internships
In 2014, Infrabel welcomed 116 student interns (56 Dutch­speaking and 60
French­speaking). Offers of internships were mainly directed towards the
various technical roles experiencing skills shortages (electro­mechanical
technician, structural and civil engineering technician, industrial and civil
engineer). These internships have enabled a better understanding of our
company and given these students the opportunity to acquire their first
professional experience.
Schools on track
In 2014, four technical secondary schools took part in the Infrabel School Day.
The students were given the opportunity to visit the Denderleeuw and Mons
Logistics Centres for Infrastructure and Signal Boxes.
Together with HR Rail, Infrabel also organised BERT (Belgian Railways
Competition for Technicians) for the third time for pupils studying advanced
electromechanics. This year, the 16 schools that took part (compared with 7 in
2013) looked at the subject of creating a "green" power source to supply train
driver assistance systems and presented their projects to a professional panel
of Infrabel engineers and experts.
Local Residents
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Created in 2006, the Local Residents Unit aims to inform residents living close
to railway installations about any aspect that could affect them (engineering
works, noise, etc.). In 2014, the Local Residents Unit held 36 information
sessions, drafted 555 information leaflets and handled 5,794 questions.
The "Dear neighbours" information campaign was also launched in 2014. In
close collaboration with their engineering colleagues, and based on the
analysis of questions dealt with, the Local Residents Unit identified a need to
give residents more information about the maintenance of railway installations.
Although local residents are generally aware of noise associated with passing
trains, they are less aware of the maintenance of railway installations. Whether
this involves maintenance works carried out by Infrabel (for example, to renew
the ballast or overhead lines) or the upkeep of land near rail tracks, which is the
responsibility of local residents themselves.
In fact, local residents are obliged to maintain vegetation on their part of the
land to avoid any rail safety repercussions (for example, tree branches falling
on tracks, overhead lines, a service road or even in front of a signal).
In order to remedy this situation, and considering the large number of local
residents, the "Dear neighbours" information campaign aimed to raise
awareness in all homes situated 120 metres from tracks in 409 towns (almost
400,000 households). This brochure is available on our website
www.infrabel.be.
Open Business Day
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For the 5th consecutive year, building on the success of previous years,
Infrabel participated in Open Business Day. Twelve specially selected sites,
spread over the entire country, opened their doors to welcome families eager
for a glimpse behind the scenes of the railways and to grasp the complexity of
the various jobs.
From "Traffic Control" (traffic coordination centre) to the "Logistics Centres for
Infrastructure" or LCIs (rail network maintenance and modernisation) and signal
boxes (regional traffic management), the 12,000 visitors were able to find plenty
of information and watch demonstrations, the main theme of which was safety,
Infrabel's number one priority.
On each site, along with information about safety and free activities, visitors
had the chance to visit the Job stands to find out about different roles that are
experiencing skills shortages as well as current vacancies.
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Planet
Planet
As the rail infrastructure manager, Infrabel contributes to sustainable mobility
and therefore to wider sustainable development issues. Nevertheless, Infrabel
is conscious that its activities also have an impact on the environment. In view
of this, Infrabel is identifying areas in which it is possible to reduce its ecological
footprint without jeopardising safety and punctuality. In line with this
precautionary approach, Infrabel regularly assesses the development of
environmental issues with which it is faced. An environmental risk analysis is
planned for 2015. In addition, in 2014, Infrabel also expanded its environmental
team.
Environmental management system
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At the end of 2014, Infrabel's environmental management efforts were
rewarded with ISO 14001 certification for 9 sites. The Logistics Centres for
Infrastructure (LCIs) in Ronet, Arlon, Jemelle, Antwerp­North, Hasselt, Muizen,
Ghent Maritime, Bruges and Courtrai joined the LCIs in Denderleuw and Ans,
which had already been awarded certification in 2013.
The implementation of the ISO 14001 standard includes the definition of
environmental objectives, compliance with environmental legislation, rigorous
compliance with certain practices (for example, regarding waste collection),
reduction of harmful emissions into the air, water and soil, staff training, etc.
Each LCI has an ISO 14001 coordinator to lead the project through to a
successful conclusion, without forgetting the efforts of all the staff who strive
daily to enable the various sites to meet the requirements imposed by ISO
14001.
Infrabel is doing all it can to ensure that the LCIs in Petite­Ile, Mons, Ath and La
Louvière also achieve ISO 14001 certification in 2015.
2013
ISO 14001
2014
The LCIs of Denderleeuw
The LCI’s of Ronet,
and Ans are ISO14001
Arlon, Jemelle,
certified. The ISO 14001
Antwerp­North,
certificate of the Bascoup
Hasselt, Muizen,
workshop, which it
Gent­Zeehaven,
obtained in 2006, is
Bruges and Courtrai
renewed
are ISO 14001
certified
“Eco­
The Infrabel headquarters
dynamic
obtain the “Eco­dynamic
Enterprise”
Enterprise” label
label
Total
4
9
Number of sites certified and/or accredited per year
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Energy
Infrabel is paying particular attention to primary non­traction energy
consumption and is raising staff awareness of energy matters. This is being
done through ISO 14001 certification as well as by encouraging the generation
of renewable energy sources (installation of solar panels on certain buildings).
62,349GJPR
Heating oil and diesel oil to heat buildings
1,190,298GJPR
Electricity for buildings and installations
Eco­mobility
“As one of the links in sustainable mobility, Infrabel also ensures that eco­
mobility solutions are put in place for employee mobility. In 2014, Infrabel set up
an "eco­mobility" working group in order to consolidate efforts already made in
this area (eco­driving, electric cars, blue­bikes, etc.) and to facilitate the
implementation of soft modes of transport for all staff.
This initiative is in keeping with the Federal Mobility Review (on travel between
home and work) also carried out in 2014.”
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Noise pollution
Infrabel pays particular attention to the reduction of noise pollution caused by
rail traffic, especially that associated with its infrastructure. With this in mind,
various actions have been taken (noise level measurements, cut­and­cover
construction, acoustic barriers and screens, etc.) in order to limit the impact on
the quality of life of local residents.
In 2014, Infrabel studied the possibility of implementing additional measures,
notably through three projects:
Following tests concluded in 2014, all lines to be renewed from 2017 will
be equipped with new types of sound­insulating rail pads to improve the
sound quality of the tracks.
In 2014, Infrabel also developed a new method for grinding rails. Thanks to
this new technique, rails will be even smoother, the key aspect being a
reduction in noise caused by the contact between the rails and the train
wheels.
Infrabel also performed numerous tests in 2014 in order to develop a new
monitoring system. The aim of this is to collect information about passing
trains, including automatic detection of the noise quality of trains.
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Profit
Profit
As one of the largest employers and investors in Belgium, Infrabel particularly
wishes to stimulate Belgian socio­economic growth, to facilitate socio­
professional integration and to promote responsible purchasing.
Socio­professional integration
Infrabel considers socio­professional integration to be one of the essential
elements enabling the growth of a responsible socio­economic framework in
Belgium. With this in mind, and in order to find a skilled workforce for areas with
skills shortages, Infrabel has been organising Job Days in partnership with HR
Rail since 2012.
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These Job Days have been very successful and are based on the "recruitment
in a day" principle. The various steps in the selection procedure take place over
a single day (explanation of the various roles, site visits, written tests and
personal interviews). At the end of the day, participants go home with the
promise of a job if they have been successful in all the different tests. Infrabel
organised 5 Job Days in 2014, leading to some 57 offers of employment.
Responsible purchasing
Having created a Supplier Code of Conduct in 2012 and strengthened its
internal team dedicated to responsible purchasing in 2013, Infrabel
consolidated its efforts in 2014 by setting up an internal training programme on
sustainable public contracts.
This tailored training programme has enabled the Infrabel Purchasing
department to learn the basics, with a view to incorporating environmental,
social and ethical clauses into its specifications where possible while complying
with the legal requirements for public contracts.
The next stages of this project will involve extending this training programme
within Infrabel in 2015.
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Collaboration and solidarity
Collaboration and solidarity
Infrabel encourages its employees to share the company's values with local
communities, and to implement collaborative projects expressing solidarity.
The company values
Team: Infrabel promotes diversity, team spirit and solidarity at work at all
levels of the company.
Passion: With pride, enthusiasm, professionalism and a true passion for
the job, Infrabel acts in the interests of the company and the community.
Service: Infrabel places the needs of its customer stakeholders at the
heart of its actions and considerations.
Community work
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For the second year running, Infrabel organised a toy collection from its staff in
Brussels. Thanks to this initiative, many toys were given to various community
associations in Saint­Gilles, where Infrabel's head office is situated.
Through this project, Infrabel aims to raise community awareness within the
company and continue to create partnerships between Infrabel and local
communities.
With this in mind, Infrabel is gradually expanding this community­focused
activity. Thus, in 2014, the toy collection was extended to an additional site (3
office buildings in total). The collected toys benefited the non­profit organisation
"CEMôme" (after­school care for children over 2 and a half. ) as well as the
library in the district of Saint­Gilles.
The collection was not limited to toys but was widened to include clothes. In
total, 13 boxes and around twenty blankets were collected and shared between
several associations in Saint­Gilles: non­profit organisation "L’îlot" (emergency
shelter for homeless people), "Resto du cœur" (charity distributing meals to the
disadvantaged) and non­profit organisation "Eco&Co" (free organisation – in
conjunction with local welfare agencies (CPAS/OCMW) – which provides
interactive workshops on energy, housing, cooking, cleaning, etc. and
personalised guidance on energy matters).
In 2015, Infrabel is aiming to extend these community actions to at least one
other town in which it is established.
Raising awareness of safety among
young people
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Safety near the tracks, on level crossings and in stations is a vital issue for the
railways. Over recent years, the number of people on the rails has continued to
grow. In 2014, the number of mortal victims who had been walking on or along
the tracks amounted to 9.
Faced with this appalling fact and in the hope of reducing this worrying number
of victims, Infrabel has adopted a variety of measures across the board.
Communication has been aimed at young people in particular in order to bring
about a real change in behaviour in the future.
Raising awareness among children:
For the 5th year running, Infrabel has addressed primary school children
through school calendars. This school calendar is made available to teachers
as a teaching tool and sets out to explain the safety rules in stations, along the
tracks and at level crossings to children. An educational game "rail experts",
specifically aimed at Year 5 and 6 primary school children, has been added to
the class material offered by Infrabel. It has the advantage of tying in with
various points of the curriculum. Infrabel has designed safety posters published
in "Tremplin" and "Zonneland" magazines. These posters address the safety
rules in a fun way and are divided into 3 different themes: along the tracks, at
level crossings, and on the platform. Some teaching files on the topic of level
crossings are also available for teachers to use in their lessons.
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among teenagers:
Infrabel regularly visits secondary schools particularly affected by the dangers
of trespassing. The aim of these meetings is to set up a dialogue with the
young people, to understand the reasons behind their behaviour and to
confront them about their own ignorance of the realities of the rail network and
the dangers involved in trespassing. A rail safety Facebook page was set up in
June 2014 and is regularly updated with news about rail safety.
For full information about trespassing, click on this link:
www.infrabel.be/en/about­infrabel/safety/security­along­the­tracks­and­in­
stations
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Credits
COLOFON
Infrabel
Public limited Company
Place Marcel Broodthaers 2
BE­1060 Brussels
www.infrabel.be
Publisher
Benoît Gilson
Project coordination and editing
Ilse Mayens
Corine Athas (Sustainability report)
Graphic concept & production
Lannoo Printers & Gorilla Webdesign
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Infrabel Annual Report 2014 - Credits
Photography
Photography: Benjamin Brolet, Johan Dehon, François De Ribaucourt, Belga,
Reporters
Infographics
Robert Baum & Johnny De Meester
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