Sweden Launches Real-World DAC Testing with 1,000 km Steel Freight Trains

The future of freight rail is being put to the test in Sweden. Over the next two years, Digital Automatic Couplers (DAC) will face the ultimate challenge: sub-zero temperatures, 1,000-km routes, and heavy steel loads. Can this cutting-edge technology prove its worth?

A two-year pilot project to test Digital Automatic Couplers (DAC) in real-world operations has started in Sweden. The initiative involves national rail operator Green Cargo, infrastructure manager Trafikverket, Lindholmen Science Park, Svensk Maskinprovning, and German coupler manufacturers Voith and Dellner. Future testing will also include couplers from Knorr-Bremse and Wabtec.

The test trains will transport steel for SSAB along a 1,000 km route between the rolling mill in Luleå and the production facility in Borlänge. These trials will evaluate the coupler’s performance under extreme cold temperatures and its ability to handle cargo weighing up to 3,800 tons.

DAC Technology: Supporters vs. Skeptics

Railfreight, a prominent railway industry outlet, highlights the ongoing debate surrounding DAC implementation. Supporters emphasize the potential for automation and digitalization to revolutionize rail freight. Meanwhile, skeptics raise concerns over uncertain funding, economic feasibility, and the reliability of DAC’s digital components.

This marks Sweden’s second DAC testing initiative, following an earlier project by CFL Cargo, which RAILTARGET previously reported about.

EU-Wide Testing and Regional Interest

The European Union, through its EU-Rail organization, is preparing for DAC testing across the entire EU. Interest in participating has already been expressed by Czech and Slovak entities, including railway operators, maintenance companies, and tech firms.

Source: RAILTARGET; RailFreight; rail-research.europa.eu