Press release -
The Intermodal Gateway of the Future: Hitachi Rail’s digital solution boosts rail freight in Germany
As part of a joint venture, Hitachi Rail has brought a new digital solution, ‘InGa-Z’, to market, which can transform efficiency at intermodal freight terminals.
Protostellar GmbH, is the joint venture driving this solution and consists of Hitachi Rail, MT Logistics GmbH, DB Cargo AG, and with financial support from the Federal Ministry for Transport (BMV).
As part of the federal Future of Rail Freight Transport (Z-SGV) program, the joint venture has developed a Terminal Operating System, including mobile applications, that digitizes, simplifies, and accelerates key processes in intermodal freight transport. The technology will help to remove the barriers between road and rail, creating seamless, digital interfaces between freight forwarders, terminals, and rail operators.
Real-world impact on operations include:
•50% less time spent on terminal check-in
•70% reduction in manual data entry
•+1 loading unit per train – potentially generating over €25 million in additional annual revenue for rail freight
At the heart of the solution is a cloud-based software platform that digitally manages container movements, automates order processing, and provides real-time status updates – including contactless check-in and AI-powered load optimization. The system has been in operation at the Philippsthal Terminal (Werra Kombi Terminal Betriebsgesellschaft mbH) since July 2025 and has already attracted several potential adopters.
“With InGa-Z, we’re proving that digitization isn’t just theoretically possible – it delivers real results: faster, more precise, and more transparent processes – making rail more competitive,” says Yves Sterbak, Director Sales and Business Development at Hitachi Rail in Germany and Managing Director of Protostellar GmbH.
“Our goal is clear: to increase rail’s market share in freight transport, we don’t need more barriers – we need smart, digital solutions like InGa-Z,” adds Christoph Renschler of DB Cargo AG.
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About Hitachi Rail
Hitachi Rail is committed to driving the sustainable mobility transition and has a clear focus on partnering with customers to rethink mobility. Its mission is to help every passenger, customer and community enjoy the benefits of more connected, seamless and sustainable transport.
With revenues of over €7bn and 24,000 employees across more than 50 countries, Hitachi Rail is a trusted partner to the world’s best transport organisations. The company's reach is global, but the business is local - with success built on developing local talent and investing in people and communities.
Its international capabilities and expertise span every part of the urban, mainline and freight rail ecosystems – from high quality manufacturing and maintenance of rolling stock to secure digital signalling, smart operations and payment systems.
Hitachi Rail, famous for Japan's iconic high speed bullet train, draws on the digital and AI expertise of Hitachi Group companies to accelerate innovation and develop new technologies. Hitachi Group is present in 140 countries with over 270,000 employees and global revenues of €58.16bn / ¥9,7 bn.
For more information, visit hitachirail.com
