ZELEROS will test the hyperloop technology in the Port of Sagunto

ZELEROS, the Valencia-based European company leading the development of a hyperloop transport system, will build a prototype of its SELF (Sustainable Electric Freight-forwarder) autonomous container transport system in the Port of Sagunto. 

This technology will allow the company to advance in the development of its hyperloop system with an application aimed at decarbonising and automating container movements between terminals. This project is possible thanks to the support of the Port Authority of Valencia (APV), whose Board of Directors, this Friday 11 February 2022, has approved the concession of land for the installation of the prototype.

The SELF system aims to accelerate the transition of ports and airports towards sustainability and automation. The system consists of vehicles (or bogies) guided and propelled by the rails where the linear motor is installed. This technology has been developed together with the Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT). This linear motor is 100% electric and can be operated in a fully automated way, like the intralogistics systems that can be found in logistics warehouses, reducing emissions and improving the efficiency of port operations.

With the aim of demonstrating the capacity of the technology and its impact on port application, the pilot project will be installed in the Port of Sagunto. A privileged environment to bring the technology as close as possible to the final application environment. The prototype consists of a 100-metre shuttle where the linear motor will be subjected to several missions to validate the functionality of the system.

David Pistoni, co-founder and CEO at ZELEROS highlights:

“Hyperloop technologies are also applicable to other sectors, such as the port sector, and with this pioneering pilot we will demonstrate and optimise the SELF system, accelerating the path towards its commercialisation that will allow its implementation in ports all over the world”.

Aurelio Martínez, President of the APV emphasises:

“the concession of this space to the Valencian start-up ZELEROS reaffirms Valenciaport’s commitment to innovation. Ports are spaces of innovation that host innovative experiences such as Zeleros; this is how progress is made towards increasingly sustainable, efficient and safe operations. And of course, with this project, the Port of Sagunt is sending out a clear message of identifying itself as an industrial and innovative enclave of reference in the Mediterranean for future generations”.

In addition to ZELEROS, CIEMAT and the Polish company Magneto, specialised in the manufacture of electrical steels, are also taking part in this project. The project is supported by the European Eureka-Eurostars programme and is co-funded by the CDTI, the Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology; the NBCR, the Polish National Research and Development Centre. The project is thus aligned with the EU Sustainable Development Goals, paving the way for building a low-carbon future and more sustainable port mobility and operations.