Can the Futuristic Hyperloop Be Utilized for Containerized Transportation?

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Elon Musk’s Hyperloop transportation technology is being worked on by multiple companies.

One of those companies, Virgin Hyperloop just tested that theory back in November 2020. Project Pegasus successfully carried two passengers within the capsule pod. According to their video, Virgin Hyperloop will be able to transport “tens of thousands of passengers per hour, per direction.” Since pods are not physically connected like train cars, and will travel in convoys, this means they can head to different destinations. Pods may be able to split off from the convoy in a similar way to a car leaving a highway on an off ramp.

Hyperloop technology has been included in one of the investment plans that the U.S. Senate passed, making this technology a much more viable option in the eyes of the individual investors, too.

So, there is no doubt that we’ll see the individual transportation very soon, but can it be implemented to move cargo?

With the current equipment deficit crisis in the U.S. and all over the world, a good, lasting way to reduce transportation times is very welcomed. Deciding that this is a good development opportunity, Hyperloop TT has also initiated HyperPort, a system that allows containerized cargo to be moved within tunnels. Since containerized transport relies on rail transportation on many occasions, this is very exciting for the future of logistics.

With this much speed and availability, ports can increase their yard storage even further, dry ports can easily be established in much more convenient areas. As the basis of port engineering, the wider the base of a port, the more volume it can handle. With Hyperloop technology this ceases to be true since ports only need this infrastructure to establish a convenient operation space.

One another important thing is that this method will reduce the carbon footprint to zero, according to HyperLoopTT.

The company claims that the HyperPort system, which is said to be engineered using current industry standards, is a plug-and-play solution for port operators capable of transporting containerized cargo hundreds of kilometers in minutes. The system can move 2,800 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) a day in an enclosed operating environment that eliminates at-grade crossings to increase reliability, efficiency, and worker safety. The system was designed by award-winning firm Mormedi, and HyperPort capsules can sustainably transport two 20-foot containers or one 40 or 45-foot standard or high cube container at airplane speeds.

Both Virgin Hyperloop and Hyperloop TT are facing valid criticism from people with backgrounds in conventional methods of rail regarding how they will achieve these transportation times considering the huge amount of investment needed for the tunnels and the technology. However, these companies are confident that these aspects can be managed by using government funding and technological advancements. It is safe to say once the technology can be used with a cost-efficient model, it will change the face of the logistics. As always, we at MTS Logistics will be right there besides you to guide you through every step of the way!