GERMANY – The interesting development of the latest high tech, modal freight system which we have been following continues as Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HTT) and Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA), a container terminal operator in the Port of Hamburg, have announced the creation of a joint venture company which will focus on integrating this latest innovation with a view to introducing hyperloop technology into the German rail port. In the future, the new company will look to bring this as an intermodal cargo option to ports, shipping, and logistics companies around the world. Bibop Gresta, chairman and co-founder of HyperloopTT, said: "Together with HHLA, this joint venture will be able to develop a commercial product that fills a missing need in the port industry. We have one of the best possible partners to bring this to market globally."
The joint venture intends to develop and bring to market a Hyperloop transport system for seaport and inland shipping container operations. The project will begin with an initial study on connecting a cargo-based Hyperloop system from an HHLA container terminal to container yards located further inland, thereby expanding the port's capacity, while reducing congestion within the port and city area, and lowering the carbon footprint of the port.
Initially, the construction of a transfer station for testing purposes at an HHLA terminal in Hamburg is planned, including an initial 100 metre cargo route along with a special freight capsule and loading dock. Angela Titzrath, Chairwoman of HHLA's Executive Board, commented:
"With the Hyperloop transport system, HHLA is pursuing the goal of developing an additional component of efficient logistic mobility solutions in Germany. As a gateway to the future, we want to employ innovative approaches to make a contribution towards relieving the strain on the transport infrastructure in and around the Port of Hamburg and to use the capacities of our terminal facilities in an even more efficient way."
Behind the concept of the Hyperloop is the idea of transporting people and goods at high speed through a tube. With the help of magnetic levitation technology, the transport capsules used in the system will be sent through a tunnel, in which there is a partial air vacuum, at speeds reaching or even exceeding 1000 km/h. A test track for transporting people and goods is currently under construction in Toulouse, France. The first test journeys in Europe are set to take place here next year. Dirk Ahlborn, CEO and co-founder of Hyperloop Transportation Technologies, said:
"HHLA has a long history of innovation. Years before we were talking about self-driving vehicles, containers moved autonomously in Hamburg. Together, we will develop a complete system that not only concentrates on speed and efficiency, but also takes into account the issues ports face in daily operation.”
