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Hyperloop

Hyperloop is a transportation system that could autonomously travel through low-pressure tubes.

Factsheet ID: Picture by Hardt

Transport efficiencyTrucksTrainsInland shipping

Introduction

Hyperloop is currently a theoretical transportation system that could autonomously move both passengers and freight through vehicles (“pods”) traveling through low-pressure tubes. Using magnetic propulsion and levitation technology, the system is estimated to enable high travel speeds of over 700 kilometers per hour using relatively little energy during operation. The hyperloop has the potential to provide fast freight and passenger services, over medium to long distances and . could be a sustainable alternative to conventional road, conventional and high-speed rail, inland water and air transport. However, the deployment of hyperloop, especially large-scale, remains uncertain, as the technology faces substantial technical and financial challenges and relies heavily on public sector funding.

Value proposition

  • Ultra-fast travel times

  • Protected from external influences

Hyperloop could offer a future-proof transportation solution by combining ultra-fast travel times with high capacity. Moreover, the tracks and vehicles are protected from external influences, such as the weather, potentially improving its reliability. Regarding its energy efficiency, hyperloop’s performance should be assessed on a full life-cycle basis: even if its operational electricity can be assumed low-carbon, the substantial energy embodied in constructing, operating and maintaining the whole system must be considered.

Port applicability

In the long term, hyperloops could be relevant to a limited number of large ports only, those with high cargo traffic volumes, sufficient space and suitable hinterland connections.

Groups of innovations

  • Underground hyperloop

    Currently there is one general type of hyperloop, which would be possible to build underground and above ground and that could be built to accommodate people or cargo.

Impact

Impact level per aspect
ImpactLevelRemark
GHG emissionsLarge impact
The hyperloop system is expected to use electricity as energy source, therefore it emits low levels of CO2 directly. Indirect CO2 emissions depend on how the electricity is generated.
Lower energy consumptionMedium impact
The vehicle moves inside a low-pressure tube, minimizing air resistance. This allows the hyperloop vehicle to reach and maintain high speeds using little energy (estimated at 40 Watt hour per passenger per hour). The energy used during construction and maintenance is substantially higher than alternative modes of transport
Mobility and efficiencyMedium impact
The hyperloop is an additional transport mode, that could connect areas over medium to long distances, accelerating the carriage of cargo and people.

Port characteristics

The implementation of hyperloop requires electricity supply on a large part of the track.

Barriers and enablers

Enablers

  • Stakeholder interactionEnabler

    Cooperation between stakeholders in consortia, such as the Hyperloop Development Program or Hyper4Rail, can accelerate the development, by creating one standard for the hyperloop.

Barriers

  • TechnologyBarrier

    The technology of the hyperloop is still in development and it has not proven to be a viable concept yet.

  • EconomicsBarrier

    The development of hyperloop requires large CAPEX and OPEX investments. Because the technology is still being developed, this may cause investors to be hesitant to provide funding.

  • Port interfaceBarrier

    It has not yet been envisaged how to fit hyperloop within port operations, especially the handling of containers from storage areas to hyperloop capsule.

  • SafetyBarrier

    Standards and protocols for safe operations have yet to be developed. Any failure involving braking, loss of vacuum, power supply or a stranded capsule would involve recovery procedures that have not yet been demonstrated in full scale commercial operation

How to implement?

  1. Step 1

    Development and testing of hyperloop concept

  2. Step 2

    Stakeholder alignment, attracting gunding and acquiring permits

  3. Step 3

    Testing on a small route

  4. Step 4

    Operation on selected routes

  5. Step 5

    Expand to a European network

Timeline

The arrow below represents the expected development of the TRL of hyperloop.
* Technical Readiness Level

What should a port do in the next 3 years?

Ports have no direct influence on the development of the hyperloop, as the technology is still in (very) early development phase. A port can join a hyperloop consortium (e.g. Hyper4Rail, Hyperloop Development Program) to stay up to date and give input on how to make the innovation fit better in the port environment.

Investment overview

The investment required for implementing a hyperloop system cannot be exactly quantified yet since development is in early stages and regulations involving safety, and environment and equipment have yet to be developed and go through official approval processes. Regarding OPEX costs, hyperloop could add new, continuous operation and maintenance-intensive burdens – for instance, it must be considered vacuum pumps running continuously and underground tubes exposed to underground movement, corrosion or water leaks.

Stakeholder overview

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

Knowledge base