The Hyperloop may have been one of the many ideas floating around Elon Musk’s head but it’s the one that has seen widespread attention and excitement. Theoretically capable of going more than 1,200 kilometres an hour (dropping that commute time from Dubai to Abu Dhabi down to 15 minutes), it’s seen as the next innovative mode of public transportation. Thanks to Musk’s willingness to opensource his ideas, dozens of companies have been formed to try and bring the Hyperloop to reality. The UAE as a country has been seen as a place ripe for adoption of the Hyperloop and it looks like one such company plans to build a Hyperloop in Jebel Ali Port.
Hyperloop One will conduct an economic and feasibility study in partnership with the third largest supply chain and terminals operator on the planet, DP World, which operates its flagship port out of Jebel Ali in Dubai. The study is to determine if it makes sense to build there and what advancements the Hyperloop might bring to the region and shipping on a global scale. The company is currently testing the technology in Nevada.
“It’s got the infrastructure, regulatory movement and kind of capital in place needed to build it already.”
– Rob Loyd, CEO of Hyperloop One
DP World believes it could possibly use a submerged, floating highspeed mode of transportation to redirect its cargo and free up some space on the land, should the feasibility study pan out as well. The company just spent billions on Terminals 4 and 5 and will need to move cargo fast as it continues to grow – something Hyperloop One could potentially help them do.
“At DP World, we continually strive to think ahead and foresee change to create the most efficient, safe and profitable trade solutions. With this collaboration, we’re leading innovation in our industry once again and by testing the Hyperloop technology at Jebel Ali for cargo use, we’re taking a first step in exploring new ways of enabling trade and underlining Dubai’s commitment to innovation. We are delighted to be part of the vision of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make the UAE and Dubai a centre for innovation, continuing to grow its reputation for investment in smart technologies, to make life easier for societies and people around the world.”
– Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, DP World Group Chairman and CEO
Source: Khaleej Times
