Sweden is testing digital automatic couplers on its heaviest freight trains to improve rail efficiency. These tests examine performance on long routes with gradients, curves, and cold weather challenges. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

digital automatic couplers
Source, photo: www.railwaygazette.com

Advancing Freight Technology with Digital Automatic Couplers

Freight trains weighing 3,800 tonnes now operate with digital automatic couplers from Dellner and Voith. These daily trains carry steel slabs along a 1,000 km route from Luleå to Borlänge.

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The route supports steelmaker SSAB and provides opportunities to assess coupler performance in demanding conditions. Results from these tests will guide decisions about upgrading rail technologies.

Real-World Testing of Digital Automatic Couplers in Sweden

Green Cargo leads this initiative as part of the FP5 TRANS4M-R project under Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking program. Trafikverket oversees train preparations, while Rail Sweden coordinates testing efforts.

Additional wagons and suppliers will join tests during the two-year research project. Engineers will collect data to refine designs and ensure couplers meet industry performance standards.

SMP’s testing institute provides measurements to validate the equipment’s durability and reliability. Their support highlights the importance of collaboration in advancing sustainable transport technologies.

Officials expect that successful tests will accelerate adopting automated couplers across Europe’s rail networks. This development promises reduced delays, better safety, and enhanced operational efficiency.

Sweden’s role as a leader in rail innovation demonstrates its commitment to sustainable logistics solutions. Results from the project could shape future freight transport strategies globally.

Source, photo: www.railwaygazette.com

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