Germany has begun rolling out a new digital platform called InGa-Z at intermodal terminals in order to reduce delays and boost the competitiveness of rail freight. Developed under the federal Future of Rail Freight Transport programme, the system has been operational at the Philippsthal Terminal since July 2025.
The project is led by Protostellar GmbH, a joint venture formed by Hitachi Rail, MT Logistics and DB Cargo, and has received financial support from the Federal Ministry for Transport. The platform digitises container handling, automates order processing and provides real-time status updates. Reported results include reducing terminal check-in time by 50%, cutting manual data entry by 70%, and enabling an additional loading unit per train, which is worth up to €25 million in annual revenue.
"With InGa-Z, we’re proving that digitisation isn’t just theoretically possible – it delivers real results: faster, more precise, and more transparent processes," says Yves Sterbak, Director at Hitachi Rail and Managing Director of Protostellar GmbH.
Christoph Renschler of DB Cargo adds: "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."
The developers say that several other terminals have already expressed an interest in adopting the system, which integrates road hauliers, freight forwarders, and rail operators through seamless digital interfaces.
Key Figures – InGa-Z Pilot Results
- –50% terminal check-in time
- –70% manual data entry
- +1 loading unit per train
- €25m+ potential annual revenue gain
