Since the broad outlines of the idea were worked out in 2013 and the blueprints were made available to the public so that innovative minds could continue working on the open source idea, there has been widespread interest in the project. However, this is not surprising given the enormous potential of the modern means of transportation.

Recently, concrete plans for the construction of a hyperloop were also presented in Germany. In the Hanseatic city of Hamburg, shipping containers are to be transported at speeds of up to 1,200 km/h in a tube on the mainland.

How Hyperloop works

The Hyperloop moves through twin tubes using magnetic levitation technology. The pressure in the tubes is low. The principle is reminiscent of the well-known tube mail, but the Hyperloop capsules are located on air cushions that contribute to the movement. The motor consists of a stator and a rotor to drive the capsules. Up to 40 passengers are to be transported per capsule. Test persons who have already enjoyed a Hyperloop ride describe the journey as a mixture of an elevator ride and a flight in an airplane.

Port of Hamburg cooperates with Hyperloop TT

Angela Titzrath, Chairwoman of Hamburger Hafen und Logistik Gesellschaft (HHLA), first reported on this plan in mid-November. At the Port of Hamburg, shipping containers have to be transported to the hinterland by rail and truck, a time-consuming process. Once the heavy freight has arrived at the port, it passes through numerous sections before it reaches its actual destination.

Such processes could be a thing of the past in the foreseeable future. The Hamburg terminal operator has decided to enter into a cooperation with the American company Hyperloop Transportation Technology (Hyperloop TT) to bring the means of transportation of the future to the Hanseatic city.

The overseas cooperation partner has been working on the development of the complex tube system for five years. In addition to the test tracks and feasibility studies in various non-European cities and countries, including Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the development and research company began construction of the first of two planned European test tracks in Toulouse, France, in the spring of this year.

The transportation of goods and merchandise with the Hyperloop is a completely new approach. Dirk Ahlborn, Managing Director of Hyperloop TT, sees great potential for the future. In his opinion, the system, which was originally designed for passenger transportation, can also be implemented in logistics contexts with comparative ease.

Goals and difficulties in transporting goods at maximum speed

Shortly after signing the contract, HHLA and Hyperloop TT initiated the first concrete measures, as the goals are ambitious. Sections of the entire route are to be completed by 2021. In addition to the prompt construction of a test track, work is also underway on a Hyperloop capsule suitable for freight.

What is still outstanding, however, are solutions to existing difficulties and obstacles regarding the economic viability and safety of the project. If the developers and researchers succeed in finding appropriate solutions, Hyperloop could revolutionize the future of transportation on a large scale.