leogistics involved in the development of new rail technologies

The Hamburg-based leogistics GmbH is part of a partnership for the development and implementation of an innovative solution for the rail transport mode. Over a research period of three years, the project partners are developing a digital wagon master assistance system (“DIANA”), which aims to increase the handling capacity of German ports by speeding up the technical inspection of wagons in port railways.

(Hamburg) The DIANA project is being developed in collaboration with Duisburger Hafen AG, the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML, the Study Society for Combined Transport e.V., and Nordic Rail Service GmbH. leogistics GmbH is primarily responsible for the conceptual development and implementation or realization. Duisburger Hafen AG acts as the consortium coordinator and validation partner, while TÜV Nord takes on the role of project sponsor.

The funding program Innovative Port Technology (IHATEC II) of the BMDV provides the framework for the conception and implementation of DIANA. IHATEC II encompasses research and development projects that contribute to the development or adaptation of innovative technologies in German sea and inland ports. The main focus is on strengthening the competitiveness of German ports, as well as improving climate and environmental protection, so that logistics chains can be designed more efficiently and the networking of production and logistics can be optimized.

“If the transport transition is to succeed, the rail transport mode must make significant strides in the area of digitalization. Together with our renowned partners, we can make an important contribution to this with the DIANA project and make rail transport significantly more attractive not only in the port area but also through more efficient processes,” says Marco Mohr, Manager Rail Logistics at leogistics GmbH.

Project DIANA improves digital infrastructure of ports

The goal of the project is to increase the handling capacity of sea and inland ports based on an intelligent IT solution. This is to be achieved by accelerating the key process of wagon technical inspection (WTU) by eliminating media breaks and inefficiencies. In addition to speed, DIANA also aims to improve the quality of the WTU. This is particularly beneficial for training new employees and provides important support in light of the significant responsibilities of wagon masters. Furthermore, the concept aims to reduce the rate of damaged wagon exchanges and to make communication between the stakeholders involved in the WTU (terminal, railway companies, and train drivers) and the wagon master more efficient.

DIANA can make an important contribution to the seamless digitalization and networking of ports. A first prototype of the solution is expected to be completed after about 21 months. The project duration ends in December 2024.

Advancing the digitalization of railways

The desired outcome of the DIANA project is, on the one hand, a significantly more efficient use of port infrastructure overall, but also of track, crane, and shunting capacities in particular. In many ports, such as Lübeck, this has direct effects on the overall handling capacity, with goods being transferred from the ferry to the train in a continuous flow. The more trains can leave the port, the more goods can be received from the water side. Due to the importance of the key process of WTU for a variety of downstream value-adding processes, the international competitiveness of port locations can not only be maintained but also strengthened in the long term. This also opens up future potential for shifting truck transport from road to rail and waterway.

Photo: © leogistics