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TÜV SÜD has published the world's first guideline for Hyperloop technologies. Hyperloop is the umbrella term for innovative high-speed transportation systems. The TÜV SÜD guideline defines the safety-relevant requirements for such systems. The US-based HyperloopTT has already taken the requirements into account in the development of its system. TÜV SÜD and HyperloopTT presented the preliminary version of the guideline to the European Commission last year.

The publication of the TÜV SÜD guideline is an important milestone for the global standardization of Hyperloop transport systems. Safety plays a decisive role in the acceptance of an innovative technology by the public and the market.

HyperloopTT in Los Angeles, California, is developing a high-speed transportation system that can be used to transport passengers and goods over long distances. Electrically powered transport capsules are accelerated in vacuum tubes at travel speeds of up to 1,100 kilometers per hour.

TÜV SÜD reviewed the Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessment (HARA) of the HyperloopTT system and developed a guideline on this basis, which defines the essential safety requirements for the planning, construction and operation of such systems. Existing regulations and experience in areas such as railroads, metro systems, cable cars, amusement rides, aviation and the process industry were also taken into account and further developed for the special requirements of Hyperloop technology. In a comprehensive approach, the guideline defines the essential safety requirements for the transport capsules, the propulsion system, the life support system, the tubes and evacuation in emergencies, among other things.

"With our comprehensive guideline, we are making a significant contribution to making an innovative technology like Hyperloop safe and reliable," says Ferdinand Neuwieser, CEO of TÜV SÜD Industrie Service GmbH. According to Neuwieser, the guideline also provides a resilient basis for the standardization of Hyperloop systems and the development of a harmonized set of rules for national approval procedures and for the certification of individual components and complete systems. Last year, TÜV SÜD and HyperloopTT presented the guideline to the Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport of the European Union.

"Hyperloop technology will revolutionize the future of transport systems," explains Andres de Leon, Chief Executive Officer of HyperloopTT. The extremely fast, energy-efficient and emission-free means of transportation can be easily integrated into existing infrastructures. "In TÜV SÜD, we have found a globally recognized partner that will support us with its expertise and experience in the further development of our system and in the implementation of our projects around the world."