Hitachi Rail, working within a joint venture, has introduced a digital solution designed to improve efficiency at intermodal freight terminals in Germany.

The system, called InGa-Z, was developed by Protostellar GmbH, a joint venture involving Hitachi Rail, MT Logistics GmbH and DB Cargo AG, with financial support from the Federal Ministry for Transport (BMV).

Intermodal freight terminals

© Hitachi Rail

The initiative forms part of the federal Future of Rail Freight Transport (Z-SGV) programme. It centres on a new Terminal Operating System (TOS), complemented by mobile applications. This system digitises and streamlines operational processes in intermodal freight transport. By providing digital interfaces between freight forwarders, terminals and rail operators, the technology aims to make the transition between road and rail more efficient.

Christoph Renschler of DB Cargo AG said:

Our goal is clear: to increase rail’s market share in freight transport, we don’t need more barriers – we need smart, digital solutions like InGa-Z.

Early use of the system has demonstrated measurable changes in terminal operations:

• 50% reduction in check-in time
• 70% decrease in manual data entry requirements
• One additional loading unit per train, representing a potential 25 million EUR in extra annual revenue for the rail freight sector

At its core, InGa-Z is a cloud-based platform that manages container flows, automates order processing, and offers real-time status information. Features include contactless check-in and AI-supported load optimisation.

Yves Sterbak, Director Sales and Business Development at Hitachi Rail in Germany and Managing Director of Protostellar GmbH said:

With InGa-Z, we’re proving that digitization isn’t just theoretically possible – it delivers real results: faster, more precise, and more transparent processes – making rail more competitive.

The system has been in live operation since July 2025 at the Philippsthal Terminal (Werra Kombi Terminal Betriebsgesellschaft mbH). Interest has already been reported from other terminal operators exploring the adoption of the technology.

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