The MaDe4Rail project aims to explore non-traditional and emerging maglev-derived systems (MDS) and to evaluate the technical feasibility and effectiveness to introduce MDS in Europe under safety aspects and technical-economic performance. Identification and benchmarking of the different maglev-derived technologies for transportation systems and their state of development, definition of a common architecture and specification of the subsystems and technologies needed for its commercialization are expected in the MaDe4Rail Project. Moreover, a risk analysis and identification of needs for standardization on safety and security in operations of MDS will be performed. Also, the assessment of the technical and economic feasibility to introduce these systems into the common European mobility network will be implemented as well as the development of a European roadmap for the possible future implementation of MDS. Lastly, the design of the concept for an MDS vehicle subsystem and a prototype of a sample vehicle for a European use case are foreseen in this project. The MaDe4Rail project is expected to have significant impacts such as contributing to the development of MDS, promoting more sustainable passenger and freight transport and initiating a path towards the reinforcement of railway as the backbone of a multimodal, sustainable and efficient mobility network by possibly, upgrading the existing railway lines/facilities through the adoption of a maglev-derived technology. Moreover, the project fosters information exchange and growth and diffusion of knowledge. MaDe4Rail brings together a multidisciplinary group of experts from diverse backgrounds with a wide range of competences and expertise that would contribute to the success of the project such as Infrastructure Managers, Transport Authorities, Engineering and Consultancy Companies, Technological Developers and Research Centers and Universities.

AutoMoTIF will focus on the development of strategies, business and governance models, regulatory recommendations and synergies that will enable the integration and interoperability of automated transport systems and solutions towards the operational automation of multimodal cargo flows and logistics supply chains in the intra-European network. It will list the gaps – both regulatory and technological – that are currently identified in automated transport technologies and logistics operations between modes and hubs through the analysis of automation demand and supply in multimodal transportation (users vs market). AutoMoTIF will follow an inclusive model to ensure that user and community needs are properly addressed and innovations are aligned with their expectations. UCs and scenarios will focus on real challenges and gaps in seamless automated logistics that will be simulated in real settings and different geographical locations. The results of the UCs will be used to set up a master scenario addressing the end-to-end delivery of goods using highest degree of automation possible. The outcomes from current practices will be analysed, leading to the assessment of benefits that can be gained by exploiting automated transport means to seamless multimodal automatic cargo transport and vice versa. These benefits will be defined and analysed based on their social, environmental and economic impact, such as decreased emissions and congestion, improved working conditions and safety, as well as reduced logistics and freight transport costs, with the SSH aspects being a priority. AutoMoTIF will contribute to the enhancement of synergies among sectors and stakeholders, following European priorities, strategic partnerships, such as CCAM, Zero Emission Waterborne Transport and EU Rail JU to ensure that transferability of expected outcomes.

Maritime transport represents the centre of global trade with about 90% of the goods’ volumes and values worldwide. Nowadays, containerships are built with the same basic design principles as the older smaller container ships, without accounting for possible consequences that could impact safety. Cargo fires represents one of the most important threats of this kind of ships (also for ferries with container on the truck). On one hand, fire causes large losses of humans and/or cargoes, on the other hand fire is impacting coastal zone and marine protected areas. Currently, there are no requirements for the installation of fixed fire detection systems above the weather deck of a container ship. Innovative strategies for containership fires prevention and management (OVERHEAT) main goal is to prevent and manage, in case of occurrence fire accidents on board of containerships. OVERHEAT brings novel fire management solutions for Prevention, Early Detection and Response which are key aspects to assure safety of people and the protection of the environment. The development of a Digital Solution (DS) will provide the overall situational picture on board and surrounding the vessel. Furthermore, integration of IoT sensors (fixed and mobile) and UAS will provide the ad-hoc system for the prevention, early detection and rapid response of fire. Best practice and assessment of safety culture will be conducted to prevent fire and understand how people perceive safety. Hence, OVERHEAT prepares a truly new generation of digital fire management solutions: complete, seamless, real time and in line with IMO regulations (integrated in the vessel IT infrastructure). The impact of the proposed solution will be initially evaluated by performing validation activities in simulated environment and then executing demonstration activities in a real environment, with use cases that will be identified, described and detailed during the research activities, to prove the feasibility and benefits.