H.Essers Recorded: Innovative cold chain rail solutions with Tom Vanherk
The pressure to make supply chains more sustainable continues to grow, but not at the expense of reliability. For temperature-controlled cargo, ensuring product integrity throughout the journey remains non-negotiable. At H.Essers, we believe innovation is the key to achieving both.
In this episode of H.Essers Recorded, Bob Essers sits down with Tom Vanherk, Business Unit Manager Packed Transport, to discuss an innovative cold chain solution that is helping accelerate the modal shift towards rail for temperature-controlled transport.
At the heart of the concept is a rail wagon equipped with a built-in battery package that generates and stores energy while the train is moving. This energy powers the cooling units of temperature-controlled containers throughout the rail journey, significantly reducing the need for diesel consumption. As the train reaches operating speed, the battery continuously charges, creating a reliable and more sustainable power source for refrigerated transport.
What makes this solution unique is not just its sustainability benefits, but its focus on reliability. Temperature-controlled rail transport has traditionally faced challenges when unexpected disruptions occur and immediate intervention is not possible. To address this, H.Essers has built a robust backup scenario into the concept. If the electrical power source becomes unavailable, the cooling unit can automatically switch to its fuel-powered engine, ensuring temperatures remain stable and cargo remains protected at all times.
This dual-power setup creates an additional layer of security for sensitive goods, enabling temperature-controlled cargo to be transported safely across long distances throughout Europe. Unlike many existing solutions that are limited to shorter routes, this concept is designed for 45ft intermodal units operating on extensive European rail corridors.
The result is a solution that combines the environmental advantages of rail transport with the reliability standards that customers expect for temperature-sensitive products. By reducing fuel consumption while safeguarding product integrity, H.Essers is making rail a more attractive option for cold chain logistics.
Innovation is most valuable when it delivers both operational and environmental benefits. This new rail solution demonstrates how technology can strengthen supply chain resilience while supporting more sustainable transport networks across Europe.
Watch the full interview here: