Events

Seminar: Digital Automatic Coupling within the Rail Industry: Exploring Diverse Perspectives between Korean and EU experts

Different Types of DAC [credit: rollingstockworld.com (2022)]

Date: Friday 11 August 2023 10:00 - 13:00

Location: Arts 1.36, Mile End Campus

Dr Jae-Hwan Park will be hosting an international seminar focusing on the Digital Automatic Coupling within the Rail Industry: Exploring Diverse Perspectives between Korean and EU experts. This seminar will feature representatives from KoRail and Woosong University, South Korea.

Background and Aim

The concept of Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC) embodies an inventive mechanism designed to automate the linking and unlinking of rolling stock within freight trains. This involves both the physical aspects, which include mechanical connections and pneumatic braking lines, as well as digital components such as electrical power and data communication. The incorporation of DAC plays a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency and transparency of rail freight operations.

The introduction of the DAC aims to address the primary challenges faced by the European rail freight sector: elevating capacity, productivity, and quality. These factors hold immense significance in reshaping the rail freight system, making it more contemporary and streamlined. By integrating DAC, there is potential for a substantial transformation, facilitating a shift towards rail transportation that aligns with the ambitious objectives of the EU Green Deal.

To achieve the objectives set forth by the European Green Deal, the integration of rail freight transportation holds a vital position within the future European mobility framework. As we seek to address the escalating CO2 emissions, transitioning freight traffic to rail emerges as the swiftest and most effective strategy. To realize this shift in mode, it becomes imperative to bolster infrastructure capacities, enhance railway competitiveness, and thereby foster cost-effectiveness and productivity within the rail domain. This paradigm shift necessitates a comprehensive overhaul of the sector, marked by a transition towards automation and digitalization. In this context, RFF advocates the rejuvenation of rail freight, leveraging technological pillars like European Railway Traffic Management (ERTMS), Automatic Train Operation (ATO), digital platforms, and DAC. Furthermore, infrastructure enhancements aimed at augmenting rail freight capacity and frequency are undertaken to attract clients from the road transport domain.

Of notable significance, DAC is perceived as a singular opportunity to revolutionize the landscape of European rail freight transport. Serving as a foundational element in the transformation of railway operational management, DAC introduces heightened capacity through novel technologies and innovative approaches. This advancement forms the bedrock for climate preservation and economic advancement. In its capacity as a pivotal catalyst for the continued digitalization and automation of the European rail system, DAC stands as a prerequisite for achieving the ambitious goal of elevating rail freight's share of the modal split to 30% by 2030, thereby aligning with the aspirations of the Green Deal. By solidifying a Memorandum of Understanding, the industry endeavours to champion the widespread adoption of Digital Automatic Coupling across Europe, wholeheartedly endorsing the objectives set forth by the German Council Presidency concerning the comprehensive implementation of DAC throughout the continent.

During this seminar, we will delve into the current progress of DAC development in both the EU and South Korea.