RERA-WIND

Project description

Climate change and seasonal impacts pose significant challenges to humanity in this century. Companies operating in regions highly exposed to physical risks could face substantial capital losses if natural hazards materialise, particularly in the long run. These risks are especially pertinent for industries that rely heavily on physical infrastructure, such as the railway sector.

The objective of the RERA – WIND project is to continue the activities of the UIC “SAFIRST” project. This continuation will enable the update of the technical reports and guidance produced by UIC in 2022. The focus will be on considering the precise design and operational conditions of “semi-trailers and pocket wagons”, which are one of the main key enablers of the rail freight development activity. Additionally, the project will consider the different categories of freight trains.

This project will allow for the update of the actual Safety Risk Analysis performed by the Danish Infrastructure Manager (IM) responsible for the Great Belt Bridge (GBB). By updating the Safety Risk Analysis, the project aims to enhance the safety and efficiency of railway operations, thereby mitigating the potential risks posed by climate change and seasonal impacts.

Project objectives

The first objective of the project is to conduct a comprehensive review of the SAFIRST technical reports on vehicle assessment. This review will delve into the details of the reports, scrutinising the methodologies, findings, and recommendations. The aim is to understand the current state of vehicle assessment practices and identify areas for improvement or further investigation.

The second objective is to extend the review to the rest of the freight categories of trains. This broader review will ensure that all types of freight trains are considered, providing a more holistic understanding of the railway sector. It will help identify commonalities and differences across various freight categories, thereby informing more nuanced and effective strategies for improvement.

The importance of achieving these objectives cannot be overstated. If the project is not accomplished, there is a risk that no harmonized process or common results could be shared by the railway community. This could potentially lead to a recurrence of incidents like the “Great Belt Bridge cases”. Therefore, the successful completion of this project is crucial for enhancing safety and efficiency in the railway sector, and for preventing future mishaps.

Project structure

WP1 - Semi-Trailers / Pocket Wagons categories
WP2 - Review of the Safety Risk Analysis on GBB
WP3 - All freight rolling stock material/categories

Project members