Tuesday, April 2, 2024
The travel industry is set to experience a significant transformation with the introduction of Digital Automatic Coupling (DAK) for freight trains, a development spearheaded by Dr. Sigrid Nikutta of the DB Board. This innovative technology is poised to enhance the efficiency and capacity of rail freight transport across Europe, presenting a substantial shift towards greener, more sustainable logistics solutions. The implementation of DAK, which facilitates the automatic coupling of freight wagons, enabling seamless power and data transmission, marks a departure from the manual, labor-intensive processes that have been the norm for nearly two centuries.
In a recent presentation to the EU Commission in Brussels, Dr. Nikutta emphasized the successful completion of a two-year practical trial of a digital freight train, indicating the readiness of the rail freight industry to embrace this new standard. The initiative is expected to not only streamline operations but also significantly increase the volume of goods transported by rail, contributing to the reduction of road traffic and associated CO2 emissions.
Kerstin Maria Rippel, Managing Director of the German Steel Federation, highlighted the pivotal role of efficient rail logistics for the steel industry, which relies heavily on rail for the transportation of raw materials and finished products. She pointed out that DAK represents a crucial advancement for enhancing the speed and reliability of supply chains, aligning with broader environmental and efficiency goals.
The move towards digital automatic coupling is a collaborative effort involving European rail freight companies and various stakeholders within the railway industry. This week’s discussions at the EU Commission’s “Connecting Europe Days” in Brussels, focusing on the expansion of trans-European transport corridors and the promotion of climate-neutral supply chains, underscore the strategic importance of DAK in achieving a more interconnected and sustainable European transport network.
DB Cargo’s operations, which span 17 EU countries with freight trains crossing borders on 60% of journeys, illustrate the wide-reaching implications of adopting DAK. By transitioning from manual screw couplings to digital automatic coupling, DB Cargo anticipates substantial operational improvements, including higher train speeds and increased network capacity, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of rail freight and offering a viable, eco-friendly alternative to road transport.
Thursday, May 2, 2024
Thursday, May 2, 2024
Thursday, May 2, 2024
Thursday, May 2, 2024
