Magnetic levitation to solve container transport problems in Russia

A study has looked into linking ports in the Gulf of Finland with terminals in Moscow using magnetic levitation, given that the existing transport network cannot provide sufficient speed when moving current levels of cargo.

According to National Speedways chairman, Anatoly Zaitsev, two million containers annually move between box terminals at ports on the Baltic Sea and inland terminals in Moscow, with road haulage accounting for around 90% of these.

The necessary scientific research is being carried out by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research and by Russian Railways OJSC, with a final report to be available later this year, allowing a pilot scheme to be set up to transport both containers and trailers.

National Speedways envisages the project to go ahead with private investment only.