Marshalling yard upgrade

DECEL provides a next‑generation mechanical braking technology designed to make freight yards significantly safer, more efficient, more predictable, and far more sustainable. Our spiral retarder systems operate entirely without external energy, delivering a combination of performance, reliability, and environmental benefits unmatched by traditional braking solutions.

Energy‑Independent Braking Technology

DECEL retarders use the wagon’s own kinetic energy to slow it down. All braking force is absorbed within the mechanical spiral geometry and converted to heat, which is then naturally cooled during standstill. This means:

• Zero external energy consumption — no electricity, no compressed air, no hydraulic supply.

• No external infrastructure needed to operate, drastically reducing OPEX and environmental impact.

Many freight yards today rely on pneumatic dynamic brakes that consume large amounts of compressed air — an extremely inefficient system from an energy perspective. DECEL removes this dependency completely.

Precise, Consistent and Predictable Speed Control

Our spiral retarders ensure a smooth and continuous braking curve across all wagon types, weights, and weather conditions. Compared with traditional beam or friction-based retarders, DECEL provides:

• Stable, controlled wagon speed during the entire rolling process

• Higher operational precision, even in challenging climates

• Reduced risk of derailment or damage caused by abrupt braking

The result is a yard with predictable wagon flow and significantly improved process control.

Safety Improvements Across the Entire Yard

By ensuring consistent wagon speeds and reducing the reliance on manual interventions, DECEL contributes directly to a safer working environment:

• No need for ground personnel in high‑risk areas

• Lower derailment risk thanks to smooth, even braking

• Minimized noise emissions contributing to a safer and more comfortable work environment

• Safety is one of the most valued benefits among existing operators.

Extremely Low Maintenance and High Reliability

DECEL systems are fully mechanical and designed for long-term reliability:

• Over a decade of real‑world operation in northern climates

• Engineered for a lifespan exceeding 15 years with minimal service requirements

• Each unit operates independently, providing complete redundancy

If one retarder requires service, the others continue operating, ensuring uninterrupted shunting operations.

Scalable and Modular for Any Yard Layout

The system is modular and can be adapted to any freight yard setup:

• Suitable for hump yards, flat yards, and modernization projects

• Enables the upgrade of existing infrastructure without large civil works

• Can be scaled to meet throughput targets or integrated with digital yard control systems

Yards equipped with DECEL can achieve several hundred percent higher throughput without building new tracks.

Environmental and Economic Benefits

By removing external energy needs and reducing locomotive usage, DECEL contributes both to sustainability goals and cost efficiency:

• Lower diesel consumption due to reduced shunting locomotive activity

• No compressed‑air consumption for braking

• Less wear on wheels and rails, reducing long‑term replacement costs

• Significantly reduced noise pollution, benefiting both staff and surrounding communities

The system aligns well with EU‑level climate and efficiency targets.

Heritage of Swedish Industrial Engineering

DECEL builds on more than 40 years of Scandinavian rail‑braking expertise. The technology is rooted in the industrial lineage of: ASEA → ABB Tracks → Hägglunds → Bosch Rexroth → DECEL

All components are produced in Sweden with a focus on durability, quality, and maintainability.

Proven in Real‑World Operations

DECEL retarders are already installed and operating reliably across freight yards in Europe. Operators highlight improvements in:

• Predictability

• Safety

• Energy efficiency

• Overall yard performance

This track record demonstrates suitability for both cold and warm climates, from Nordic winters to desert‑level temperatures.

Summary: What DECEL Delivers

DECEL provides freight yards with:

• Energy‑free braking

• Lower operational costs

• Higher safety

• Greater precision and throughput

• Scalable modernization without major infrastructure investments

• Proven, climate‑resistant performance

DECEL is not just a braking system — it is a strategic upgrade to future‑ready rail freight operations.