KIRUNA Wagon, an engineering company in Sweden, is building a demonstrator dry-bulk freight wagon and unloading station for salt traffic in Catalonia. This is under the aegis of the European Union-funded Hermes project, which is attempting to enhance the productivity, flexibility, and reliability of rail freight.
Based on Kiruna Wagon’s modular logistics system, the wagon combines a standard under frame, with tailor-made load carriers that can be exchanged according to the type of freight being carried.
The carriers are designed for straightforward transhipment between wagons and for easy transfer from different freight transport modes. Loaded or empty containers can also be stored on the ground, improving wagon utilisation.
Kiruna Wagon says a key challenge of the dry-bulk project is to reduce dust emissions, particularly during discharge. The demonstrator therefore is sealed to contain the load and prevent exposure to rain or snow.