Global trade growth has led to increased congestion in port areas due to trucking and road freight. This congestion is caused by a large number of trucks and other vehicles that are required to transport goods from ports to their next destinations. As a result, roads become clogged, leading to delays and reduced efficiency. In addition, this congestion can also lead to air pollution, traffic accidents, and other negative impacts on the environment. To address this problem, governments must develop strategies that promote efficient use of port areas while also reducing the number of trucks on the roads. Solutions such as improved infrastructure planning and increased investment in public transportation can help reduce congestion in port areas and improve overall efficiency.
At the same time, there are also innovative companies working on solutions to alleviate the pressure in and around logistics hubs like ports. A great example of this is the German company Transport System Bögl (TSB). TSB developed a transportation system for transporting containers using Magnetic Levitation, or MagLev technology. TSB is a subsidiary of one of the largest construction companies om Germany: Max Bögl.
Streamlining traffic flows in and around ports
TSB developed the system to connect distribution hubs further inland to container hubs like port terminals. The system can be used to transport goods between two locations at short and medium systems. A solution like TSB’s could alleviate congestion around ports, airports, and train stations, where large quantities of containers must be transferred to trucks. Containers can be moved to locations that are more accessible, and container volumes can be spread across multiple locations, so the pressure in terms of traffic is spread as well.
The benefits of transporting containers using Magnetic Levitation
There are many benefits to transporting containers using MagLev. One of the most important benefits, if you ask us, is energy efficiency. Maglev is one of the most energy-efficient ways of moving goods and people. Because the track and the skid transporting the container do not touch, no energy is lost due to friction. Such a transportation system can be powered by renewable energy, like solar, wind, hydro, or geothermal.
Another big benefit of this technology is that it is quiet. This is less important when transporting containers through a tunnel, but even then, both the first and last parts of the journey are out in the open, where people are working or living. Minimising sound pollution creates a safer and more sustainable working environment.
The lack of friction also creates a smooth ride, which means no vibrations. Whether you transport containers under or above ground, the lack of vibrations minimises the impact on the infrastructure used.
In the TSB system, the skids moving the containers move autonomously. In a time where driver shortage is a big issue all over the world, this is a huge benefit as well. It makes the system very flexible and easy to scale.
In the video below, you can see the TSB system in action:
