DP World and Virgin Hyperloop One unveil plans for “ultra-fast” cargo service
DP World Cargospeed.
Port operator DP World and Virgin Hyperloop One have announced plans for a new service – called DP World Cargospeed – that will use hyperloop technology to “support the fast, sustainable and efficient delivery of palletized cargo”.
Virgin Hyperloop One is one of a number companies which are exploring the use of “hyperloop” technology – which essentially involves propelling “pods” through a low-pressure steel tube at very high speed.
In a statement issued yesterday (Sunday, 29 April), Virgin Hyperloop One said: “Designed to provide exceptional service for high-priority, on-demand goods, DP World Cargospeed systems will deliver freight at the speed of flight and closer to the cost of trucking.”
The company explained that the service was being developed in response to the growth of global e-commerce and the need for on-demand deliveries: “E-commerce has shifted the expectations of consumers and businesses regarding the speed of shipping. Today, on-demand deliveries are a competitive advantage. Tomorrow, they will be the ubiquitous.”
Earlier this month, another Hyperloop company – Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HyperloopTT) – announced that it has begun construction on its first full-scale transportation system in Toulouse, France.
