Power and automation technologies provider ABB has secured an $85m contract from Swiss train manufacturer Stadler Rail to deliver traction equipment for projects to expand public rail networks in Switzerland, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.
The contract follows earlier orders from rail operators to expand their existing fleets of Stadler trains for the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), Luxemburg State Railways (CFL) and the Dutch State Railways (NS).
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Under the deal, the traction systems will be equipped on a total of 90 electric trains, including double-decker Kiss and regional Flirt trains for both suburban and intercity routes.
Both SBB and CFL already have ABB traction equipment installed on their Stadler trains fleet and are being successful operated in Switzerland and Luxembourg.
The new contract includes delivery of powerful and energy-efficient traction converters with integrated power supplies, traction transformers and battery chargers for 19 new double-decker trains for SBB’s S-Bahn in Zurich.
CFL is currently expanding their existing Stadler double-decker KISS fleet for 15kV alternating current (kVAC) and 25 kV AC line voltage for cross-border service between Luxembourg and Germany with additional 11 double-decker trains with ABB traction converters and traction transformers.
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By GlobalDataFor NS, ABB will supply lightweight, tailor-made compact traction converters with integrated onboard power supplies for electric Stadler trains to be operated in the commuter and regional transport system.
ABB discrete automation and motion division president Pekka Tiitinen said: "We see continued investment in both rolling stock and infrastructure to expand Europe’s rail network and meet rising commuter demand.
"For rail operators there is strong confidence in working with long-term partners such as Stadler Rail and ABB, who collaborate to provide deep industry expertise and the latest innovations.
"This order is a further example of ABB’s Next Level Strategy and our focus on expanding in growing markets."
According to the company, the trains are scheduled to be delivered by the end of 2016.
Image: ABB will equip the traction systems on a total of 90 electric trains, including double-decker Kiss and regional Flirt trains. Photo: courtesy of ABB.
