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Digital automatic coupling

Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC) is a technology that enables the automatic coupling and decoupling of freight train wagons.

DigitalisationTrains

Introduction

Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC) is a technology that enables the automatic coupling and decoupling of freight train wagons. This allows both the physical connection of wagons and the digital exchange of energy and information throughout the train.

Value proposition

  • Safe and automated solution

  • Increases safety

  • Improves operational efficiency

Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC) replaces manual screw coupling of a wagon with a safer and automated solution, eliminating the need for physically demanding and hazardous operations. DAC automatically checks whether coupling was executed successful and whether the breaks operate correctly, thereby increasing safety. It improves operational efficiency (save time) by streamlining coupling processes and reducing manual intervention.

Port applicability

Applicable to ports with railway access.

Groups of innovations

  • There are no groups identified within this subject.

Impact

Impact level per aspect
ImpactLevelRemark
Level of automationVery large impact
Automatic (de)coupling/shunting.
International cooperationLimited impact
DAC is intended for deployment across the entire European rail network, supporting a harmonized network between countries and operators.
EfficiencyMedium impact
Increased capacity of tracks and reducing process time at a terminal/shunting yard. It enables heavier and longer freight convoys as the coupler can deal with stronger forces.
SafetyMedium impact
DAC improves safety by eliminating the need for workers to manually climb between wagons, reducing exposure to physically demanding tasks and hazardous working conditions.

Port characteristics

No specific port characteristics are needed for this subject.

Barriers and enablers

Enablers

  • Standards & regulationEnabler

    Uniform requirements are being established to be referenced in the respective Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSI) by the EU.

Barriers

  • EconomicBarrier

    The costs associated with DAC are high for wagon owners. For wagons that are rarely coupled or uncoupled, the business case for implementation is less attractive.

  • TechnologyBarrier

    If not all wagons in a train have DAC it complicates operations, as not all features of DAC can be used.

How to implement?

  1. Step 1

    Program setup and standardization

  2. Step 2

    Technology development & validation

  3. Step 3

    Migration planning & coordination

  4. Step 4

    Funding & large-scale deployment

Timeline

The arrow below represents the expected development of the TRL of [title].
* Technical Readiness Level

What should a port do in the next 3 years?

Port authorities have limited ability to act on the implementation of DAC, as it is largely outside their direct control and primarily driven by railway undertakings and European policies.

Investment overview

CAPEX elements include fleet retrofitting or purchasing of new wagons with DAC and upgrading locomotives and IT systems to be compatible with DAC. OPEX consist of maintenance of DAC components (including IT systems) and the training of train operators. Because of efficiency gains and less labor costs, it can also lower OPEX.

Stakeholder overview

Below is an overview of the required involved stakeholders.
Blue stakeholders are essential, white stakeholders are enabling

Knowledge base