EDDP featured at Ermewa Press Conference and Transport Logistic 2021

Ermewa press conference

Press conference on EDDP attracted many journalists

 On 20 May, Ermewa, partner of the EDDP, held the first press conference focused on the DAC Delivery Programme. The press conference attracted journalists from 10 different media outlets specialised in rail, logistics and supply chain management. Due to the ongoing sanitary crisis, the press conference was held digitally. So far, the press conference has resulted in two published articles in specialised press – on Construction Cayanola and Supply Chain Magazine – with more articles expected to be published in the near future.

Transport Logistic 2021 

EDDP featured at Transport Logistic Conference

European DAC Delivery Programme was presented at the Transport Logistic conference on 5 May during a panel discussion titled “The Digital Automatic Coupler (DAC): A central innovation boost for modern rail freight transport?”. The session was jointly organised by the Association of German Wagon Keepers (VPI) and the Association of German Transport Companies (VDV), featuring speakers from wagon keepers, railway undertakings, logistic providers and the public sector. The panel included Stephan Bull, Head of Section E11 focusing on Master Plan for Rail Freight Transport at the German Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure; Jens Engelmann, Programme Manager at the European DAC Delivery Programme; Sven Wellbrock, COO at VTG AG, Clemens Först, Board Spokesperson at Rail Cargo Austria AG and Thorsten Bieker, Vice President Bulk Logistics & Site Services at BASF SE.

The discussion explored the progress of a European-wide migration plan and a uniform technical standard, as well as how the interests of all stakeholders can be taken into account and sufficient financing secured. All speakers agreed that DAC is a game-changer and innovation-driver, needed to enable a digital and efficient rail freight sector as the backbone of transport in Europe to contribute significantly to achieving EU’s climate goals.

Although a lot of work is still ahead, the European DAC Delivery Programme Manager Jens Engelmann emphasised the good progress the programme has made since its launch by bringing together all major rail freight stakeholders in Europe to ensure the successful roll-out of the technology in the continent and beyond.