Fig.: Stadler

The success story of the Flirt multiple units from the Swiss rail manufacturer Stadler – and especially on partially electrified lines, the success of the battery-powered hybrid trains – continues. After more than 2,500 Flirts sold worldwide, the first order has now come from Lithuania. 

Fig.: KTZ

During a state visit by German Federal President Steinmeier, the transport and logistics provider Rhenus and the Kazakh Railway signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly explore the development of transshipment points in the Caspian ports. 

Fig.: SBB

The Swiss transport union SEV rejects the liberalization of rail transport currently proposed by the Swiss Federal Office of Transport (BAV). Neither working conditions nor cooperation are negotiable, as this would be detrimental to the well-functioning Swiss rail system.

 Image: HHLA Sky

Unmannedaerial vehicles (UAVs) have sparked a hype. But before the lower airspace up to 120 meters can be further filled with unmanned aircraft systems, universally applicable rules and secure coordination bases are needed. Private operators like Hamburg's HHLA Sky – now even TÜV-certified – are ready to go. 

The German Aerospace Center (DLR) has investigated how remotely controlled trucks can support humanitarian missions. The project, along with innovative lime-based energy storage systems and completely emission-free vehicles, will be presented at a greentech festival in Berlin.

 Image: Trailer

Although the transport service provider Duvenbeck is located far north from a Central European perspective, sufficient sunshine is still expected. Ultra-thin solar mats have now been installed on two truck trailers to power the onboard electrical systems. 

Freight transport with SBB Cargo will once again be a wholly owned subsidiary of SBB. Minority shareholder Swiss Combi is selling its 35% stake to SBB and will become a strategic partner. Alexander Muhm, currently head of SBB Real Estate, will become the new member of the Group Executive Board responsible for freight transport.

In Germany, it is said that those who operate a rail siding are largely left to their own devices and make their decisions alone. However, there are also enthusiasts who, in 2013, founded an "ERFA Rail Siding Group" on the initiative of siding professionals, the Fraunhofer IML, and the Prien Regional Center. 

A fleet of driverless electric minibuses will become part of the public transport system in the town of Châteauroux (population 43,000) starting in 2026. A consortium of six mobility companies, including Alstom, EasyMile, Keolis, and Renault, is preparing for the introduction of Level 4 autonomous driving.

Fig.: Hugelshofer

One of the biggest challenges to reducing emissions lies in the hands of the cement industry. Holcim is now using a mobile solution to capture CO2 directly on-site, store it in concrete, and reuse it elsewhere as a high-quality building material. This, along with the use of electric trucks, also reduces the burden on transport routes. 

TX Logistik, a subsidiary of FS Italiane Group specializing in intermodal transport, is investing in 40 Vectron locomotives, half of which are equipped for the German-Austrian-Italian corridor, and the other half for operation in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and the Netherlands.

 N. Andersen

The so-called "net zero" in greenhouse gas emissions is an important goal – but according to a joint assessment by the Swiss Empa and the German Öko-Institut, it is not sufficient to achieve climate targets. CO2 capture technologies – and solutions like "Carbfix" – are urgently needed.

Despite the progress of electromobility, charging infrastructure remains a concern in some places. However, the energy transition is also advancing in the heavy commercial vehicle sector. Scania Switzerland, together with a well-known transport company in Sargans, is addressing this issue.

Almost four years ago, the Swiss train manufacturer won the tender from the Schleswig-Holstein public transport association (NAH.SH) for 55 battery-powered Flirt regional trains. Now, the foundation stone has been laid for a maintenance depot in the far north. 

The goal is "net zero." Not in terms of revenue, of course, but to "limit climate change and simultaneously maintain prosperity in Switzerland" through technological innovations, explains Swissmem President Martin Hirzel. The metalworking industry faces difficult times ahead.