System analysis of a high-speed freight train terminal

Abstract

To achieve the climate protection targets despite the increasing transport demand, the shift from carbonintensive to more environmentally friendly modes, such as rail, is indispensable in the field of freight transport. The Next Generation Train CARGO concept is intended to improve the competitiveness of rail freight, especially for low-density high value goods. However, the corresponding transshipment infrastructure has not yet been analysed in detail. In this work, we introduce a Model-Based Systems Engineering approach for the closer analysis and specification of an intermodal freight terminal for this high-speed freight train concept. This includes the elaboration of the system idea and context, the most important stakeholders and their requirements as well as the identification of the essential system functions. The systematic approach reveals a broad diversity of stakeholders and points out the complexity of the procedures taking place at the terminal. The chosen approach applied in this work has proven to be promising for the holistic system analysis of an intermodal transport node.