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TOP NEWS FROM THE SCI RAILDATA
Siemens has developed a new high-speed train (HST) platform for services with speeds ranging from 250 km/h up to 360 km/h throughout the world. Running at 300 km/h, the new HST uses 30% less energy than previous Velaro models, which translates to average savings of 1,375 t of CO2 a year. Thanks to its lightweight construction, the train's weight was reduced by 15%. At the same time, the available space for passengers was increased by 10%. The car body is based on the empty tube design, allowing the interior to be furnished according to customer wishes. Siemens has been testing parts of the new HST since April 2018. The Novo test car, integrated into the ICE S operated by DB Systemtechnik, is currently undergoing test runs throughout Germany. Siemens began with the development of the new Velaro Novo model in 2013 and may place the first trains into service from 2023.
Source: Siemens press release 13.06.2018
Nexus, the owner and operator of the 78 km Tyne & Wear metro network located in and around Newcastle, has invited expressions of interest to replace its entire metro fleet, which consists of 90 cars. The project is to be funded by the British government. Bids will be accepted until 9th July 2018. The project involves designing, building and constructing the vehicles, as well as maintaining them for a term of 35 years and building a new depot on the existing site at Gosforth. The winner of the contract will also be responsible for maintaining the existing fleet and ensuring a smooth transition to the new fleet. Tender documents will be ready by the end of the summer 2018. Nexus is planning to hold supply chain events later in 2018 to enable shortlisted bidders to meet local suppliers, which may be involved in the construction and maintenance of both the metros and the depot. The contract is scheduled to be awarded in late 2019 with the first metros to be delivered by the end of 2021.
Source: Nexus press release 08.06.2018
Hong Kong-based logistics company Kerry Logistics Network is launching new international rail and trucking services from China through Kazakhstan to the Caucasus and Turkey. Both block-train and single-wagon services are being offered. With a transit time of 18-20 days, the main products to be transported will include electronic parts, electrical appliances, minerals, automobile parts and other industrial goods.
Source: Kerry Logistics press release 11.06.2018
Helsinki-based public transport operator HKL has ordered ten additional ForCity Smart Artic light rail vehicles (LRV) from Skoda Transportation's subsidiary Transtech. The contract announced on 14th June 2018 is worth EUR 30 million. HKL had ordered 40 LRVs from Transtech under a framework contract signed in 2010, which included options for 90 additional LRVs. In December 2016, the operator approved the purchase of 20 more ForCity LRVs, which were ordered in early 2017 (see SCI RAILDATA Issue 14/2017). So far, a total of 48 of the ForCity Smart Artic LRVs have been put into service. The three-car vehicles are completely low-floor and are 27.40 m in length. The uni-directional LRVs will run on the metre-gauge network in the Finnish capital.
Source: Aktualne 14.06.2018
On 15th June 2018, rolling stock manufacturer Bombardier Transportation inaugurated a new hall for final assembly at its site in Bautzen. Bombardier invested around EUR 8 million in the hall, and commissioned companies from Saxony to a large extent. Up to 600 vehicles per year can be assembled in the hall. The vehicles, which can be assembled, include regional and long-distance trains, suburban and metro trains as well as trams. Three different vehicle types can be produced in parallel. Around 500 employees will work in the hall with a total area of 8,100 m². Including the costs for the hall, Bombardier is investing around EUR 30 million in its Bautzen site.
Source: Bombardier press release 15.06.2018