World’s first claimed for iWagon in UK
VTG Rail UK has claimed a world first for its iWagon technology. The advanced black box technology has been adopted as standard by the UK operations of Heidelberg Materials. The building materials company will initially have the telematics hardware retrofitted to its entire fleet of aggregates and bulk freight wagons.
Heidelberg Materials UK, formerly known as Hanson, has adopted the iWagon real-time monitoring system. VTG, which developed the hardware, says it is the first company in the world to commit to the system. Heidelberg Materials claims the decision was a “no-brainer.”
Safety and efficiency of rail operations
As reported late last year, the VTG entered into an extensive trial in the UK with Tarmac on a Scotland to England service. Now, VTG have their first customer for the rolling monitor equipment. “The iWagon is poised to transform rail freight with its advanced safety features and operational efficiencies,” said a statement from the pan-European leasing company.
VTG say the system is expected to significantly increase wagon availability and reliability. “This innovative technology represents a major leap forward in ensuring the safety and efficiency of rail operations,” added VTG’s statement. For their part, Heidelberg says its decision to retrofit its entire wagon fleet with the technology was strongly influenced by recent UK rail incidents involving freight wagon derailments. The company pointed to significant incidents where rolling stock was found to be at fault, including the derailment in late 2022 at Carlisle, which caused extensive disruption.
Fleet retrofitted with the technology
“Safety is our number one priority,” said Clare Soper, Operations Director, UK Supply Chain Cement Distribution for Heidelberg Materials UK. “Embracing VTG’s new iWagon technology was a no-brainer for us. “We have carried out a lot of research into the system, and it will make our fleet safer by preventing incidents happening in the future.”
This first iWagon order will see Heidelberg Materials UK’s entire wagon fleet being retrofitted with the technology, with installation beginning in mid-November 2024. “I am very excited to see the benefits iWagon will bring,” said Clare Soper. “[Heidelberg Materials UK is] proud to be the first in the world to use it, leading the way in adopting state-of-the-art solutions to enhance rail safety and operational performance.”
Cost-effectiveness for customers
The iWagon provides real-time monitoring and safety features. The technology was developed by a team of engineers from VTG and Knorr-Bremse. The iWagon integrates state-of-the-art sensors, data analytics, and automation to elevate the safety, performance, and reliability standards of rail freight wagons.
“The adoption of iWagon by Heidelberg Materials UK marks a significant milestone in rail freight safety and efficiency, setting a new standard for the industry,” said Marc Hurn, Sales and Marketing Director at VTG Rail UK. “The benefits of iWagon technology allow for cost-effectiveness for customers in the commercial environment. The rail freight industry already has a good safety record; the development of iWagon makes it even safer.”
