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9. February 2021VTG AG and VEGA International sign a framework agreement to advance the expansion of intermodal offerings. The goal is to strengthen combined transport for a higher share of rail in the modal split. Together, the two companies have developed the innovative ‘roadrailLink’ (r2L) technology for loading non-craneable trailers.
(Hamburg) Modern transport and handling technology for an attractive and sustainable intermodal transport: Together with the logistics provider VEGA International, VTG AG has developed a solution to make non-craneable semi-trailers craneable. The aim behind the solution is to shift even non-KV-capable trailers onto the rail, thereby further strengthening the modal shift – for a higher share of environmentally friendly transport modes.
The successful test runs took place in Tilburg, Netherlands, where VTG’s customer and terminal operator GVT has already tested and is using VEGA’s vertical handling and transport technology ‘roadrailLink’ (r2L) in operational use. “One of our major goals is to further promote combined transport. An important step in the right direction is to make the majority of non-craneable trailers craneable and thus shift more transport to rail.
With VEGA’s innovative r2L concept, we have found the right solution for this,” says Jakob Öhrström, Managing Director and Head of the Center of Competence Intermodal at VTG Rail Europe GmbH. VTG thus once again underscores its commitment to actively support the climate goals of the European Union together with the shipping industry.
r2L: Faster and Easier Handling in the KV Terminal
With the r2L handling and transport technology, non-craneable semi-trailers of any kind can be loaded economically. The fully galvanized loading basket is a platform that can be lifted vertically in and out of a double-pocket wagon using terminal cranes or reach stackers. Since the r2L basket does not require a ramp or other facilities, loading and unloading a trailer is simple to handle and thus optimally suited for use in terminal operations. The capacity in the terminals is not hindered by ramps. Another advantage is the quick loading time: Only five to eight minutes are required per trailer lift, and compared to other handling systems, only minimal human assistance is needed due to the laser distance measuring technology. The driver of the terminal tractor can read the exact position of the trailer at the r2L basket for rail loading using a laser measuring device from the driver’s cabin, allowing for precise and safe loading of the trailer onto the wagon in the shortest possible time.
Long-term Cooperation between VTG and VEGA
To set further impulses for the shift of traffic from road to rail and to actively promote this, VTG AG and VEGA International have agreed on a framework contract, thereby promoting successful collaboration in the sense of a comprehensive intermodal offering. Vertical loading with the pocket wagon model T3000e is already possible and applicable in over 90 percent of all European terminals. VTG is now also examining the market entry of the r2L transport and handling technology for the TWIN double-pocket wagon.
Photo: © VTG
