photo: UIC / Public domain/DAC
At InnoTrans 2024, the spotlight was on Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC), a groundbreaking technology set to boost efficiency and sustainability in European rail freight. Industry leaders highlighted DAC’s potential to increase rail capacity, enhance safety, and support the EU’s climate goals amid a decline in rail freight’s market share.
A Vision for Rail Freight: Digitalisation and Productivity
The InnoTrans fair in Berlin, one of the world's largest trade fairs for transport technology, showcased the cutting-edge Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC) technology, providing a glimpse into the future of European rail freight. On Tuesday, September 25th, the InnoTrans fair hosted a panel discussion titled Digital Boost? More Productivity in Rail Freight through Digitalisation, where key industry figures discussed the challenges and opportunities of digitalization in rail freight. The event was introduced by Kristian Schmidt, Director for Land Transport at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE).
The panel featured prominent voices from across the rail industry, including Dr. Sigrid Nikutta, Member of the Board of Freight Transport at DB AG; Mark Topal Gökceli, CTO of ÖBB Holding; Keir Fitch, Head of Unit at DG MOVE; Dr. hab. Marek Pawlik, Deputy Head of Railway Research Institute for Interoperability Poland at Instytut Kolejnictwa; Dr. Peter Radina, Member of the Management Board at Knorr-Bremse Systeme für Schienenfahrzeuge GmbH; and Cornelius Weitzmann, President & CEO of Voith Turbo.
During the discussion, Schmidt highlighted the troubling decrease in rail freight's share of land transport, which has dropped by 2% in five years. This decline underscores the urgency for the European Commission and its member states to innovate. Digitalization, with DAC at its core, is seen as a key enabler for reversing this trend and strengthening rail freight’s position in Europe's transport network.
The Debate Over DAC: Is it the Solution for All?
While DAC holds immense promise, not all stakeholders are convinced of its universal benefit. Some argue that DAC will significantly benefit certain market segments but may not address all the pressing issues facing the rail industry. Others express concerns that resources allocated to DAC could be better spent on other urgent matters.
However, strong support for DAC comes from countries like Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, where the technology is seen as vital for the future of rail freight. These nations are advocating for a wider debate on DAC’s potential to ensure all voices are heard.
One key issue raised during the discussion was funding. While the current EU budget period has already been allocated, industry leaders are keenly awaiting proposals for the next seven years. As Schmidt put it, DAC is something "we cannot afford not to do," urging stakeholders to act courageously and collectively.
Pioneer Trains and the Road Ahead for DAC
The pioneer trains initiative, set to begin in 2026, will test DAC technology under real-world rail conditions. This is a critical step in proving the system’s operational functionality before its full deployment in 2029. The panel discussion also emphasized DAC’s readiness for commercial operations, with several speakers pointing out that the technology is not just theoretical—it is ready for real-world use.
Mark Topal Gökceli of ÖBB described DAC as a "key enabler" for increasing rail capacity, essential for the shift towards rail as a primary mode of freight transport. The benefits of DAC extend beyond capacity, including improved productivity, enhanced safety for workers, and greater rail safety overall. Furthermore, DAC aligns with the EU’s Green Deal, positioning it as central to Europe’s effort to decarbonize industry and transport.
Boosting Capacity and Beyond: DAC’s Broader Impact
Dr. Sigrid Nikutta from DB AG underscored DAC’s potential to increase rail capacity by 10-15%, a critical need given the long timelines and high costs associated with building new rail tracks. The quickest way to increase capacity, she argued, is by implementing DAC.
One of the main challenges, according to Dr. Marek Pawlik, lies in managing the transition period. Keir Fitch from the European Commission stressed the need for a well-defined plan to overcome obstacles in DAC's rollout.
Ultimately, the discussion at InnoTrans 2024 made it clear that DAC is not just a technological upgrade but a crucial part of Europe’s strategy to modernize rail freight, increase capacity, and meet its climate goals.
With full deployment anticipated by 2029, DAC could reshape the future of European rail transport, bringing significant benefits in efficiency, safety, and sustainability.