Virgin Hyperloop to build super-fast global cargo network in Dubai
It will be able transport goods anywhere in the world in just 48 hours
We’ve had a torrent of Hyperloop news in recent weeks, but this latest one might just be the most game-changing announcment yet.
Virgin Group boss, Sir Richard Branson, was in town yesterday to announced a revolutionary new transport network that promises to ship goods anywhere in the world in just 48 hours, with Dubai as one of its primary hubs.
Dubbed DP World Cargospeed, the new company is a joint venture between DP World and Virgin Hyperloop One, and will utilise the ultra-high-speed Hyperloop tech currently being developed by the Branson-backed company.
Introducing DP World Cargospeed pic.twitter.com/KvnzdKZ0NE
— Virgin Hyperloop One (@HyperloopOne) April 29, 2018
HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, was present at the announcement saying, “The UAE is keen to be a leading player in shaping the future of the world. Being a pioneer means taking bold decisions that open the way for adopting innovative solutions. We have big aspirations because we have unlimited mindsets and the confidence that we can achieve whatever we set our minds to.”
Naturally, you would assume that such a revolutionary system wouldn’t come cheap to the end user, but according to the official statement from the Dubai Media Office, the Cargospeed Hyperloop will be able to “[deliver] freight at the speed of flight and closer to the cost of trucking.” – which can only mean good news for getting Amazon packages shipped in a timely manner.
Hyperloop pods would eventually replace traditional truck and ship methods of cargo, freeing up roads and warehouse space.
Another interesting tidbit, is that the system could also be used to accommodate passengers during peak hours, with cargo being moved during off-peak hours, potentially opening up a whole new avenue of transportation.
No official timeline has been announced, but according to The National it was revealed by Rob Lloyd, the CEO of Virgin Hyperloop One, that the company is working on similar systems in Saudi Arabia and India, the latter of which is expected to break ground in 2019.
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