Vertical transhipment dominates, but “alternative approaches” are on the rise
Horizontal transhipment technologies without cranes are increasingly establishing themselves as an interesting alternative in intermodal transport and obviously offer advantages on certain routes.
Intermodal freight transport is a key lever for achieving the European climate targets, as it contributes to shifting truck traffic to more environmentally friendly modes of transport such as rail, inland waterways or short-sea shipping. The choice of transhipment technology plays a key role in optimally exploiting transport efficiency and cost benefits. While traditional vertical systems with cranes and reach stackers continue to be the most widely used option – as the European Commission’s study “Comparative Evaluation of Transhipment Technologies for Intermodal Transport and Their Cost” points out – horizontal transhipment technologies that do not require a crane, such as Modalohr, Cargobeamer and Helrom, have been gaining in importance in recent years.
For non-craneable loading units such as semi-trailers, these technologies promise an efficient solution as they do not require any special crane infrastructure.
Horizontal systems, which are usually accessible from the side, can be a real alternative, especially on routes that require fast loading or in regions without conventional transhipment terminals. In addition to the simplified infrastructure, some of these systems also offer more scope in terms of loading dimensions thanks to their wagon technology. On the other hand, the choice of technology also manifests the transport provider, while competition is possible with universal terminals.
The potential of these “alternative approaches” should therefore be analyzed and evaluated on suitable routes. By precisely defining the requirements of the individual markets, suitable handling solutions can be identified and compared. Factors such as transport volume, available equipment (craneable/non-craneable), connection frequency and the technical and spatial possibilities on site play a decisive role here. The basic comparison parameters must be specifically adapted to the requirements of the respective relation in order to create a sound basis for decision-making. In the aforementioned study, this is also emphasized by KombiConsult, which supports authorities and companies in developing a better understanding of the appropriate transport solution on site.
“You can’t lump all handling technologies together,” emphasizes KombiConsult Managing Director Uwe Sondermann. “Each technology has its own strengths and weaknesses that need to be individually compared with market requirements. Ultimately, it’s also about making the best possible use of taxpayers’ money.”
Your contact: Klaus-Uwe Sondermann, Managing Director, KombiConsult GmbH
Phone. +49.69.244 32 93 – 172, Mail usondermann@kombiconsult.com
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