Port logistics company, Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) and US-based Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HTT) have joined forces to produce a high speed container transport system at the Port of Hamburg.

The aim of the joint venture is to develop and market a Hyperloop transport system for shipping containers. Using magnetic levitation and vacuum technology the system will be efficient and emissions-free.

Chair of HHLA’s executive board, Angela Titzrath, said: “With the Hyperloop transport system, HHLA is pursuing the goal of developing an additional component of efficient logistic mobility solutions in Germany.”

“As 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,” she added.

Dirk Ahlborn, founder and chief executive of HTT, continued: “HHLA has a long history of innovation. 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.”

Suction power

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 is currently under construction in Toulouse, France and the first test journeys are scheduled to take place next year.