The Norwegian rail leasing company Norske tog selected Stadler for the supply of 17 long-distance trains following company’s best bid submitted in terms of quality and cost criteria.
The production of the new 8-car long-distance trains will start in 2024, and the first new train sets will be delivered for test-driving in Norway from 2025. The new train sets will be put into traffic on the Oslo – Bergen line (Bergen Line) from 2026, replacing old trains reaching their technical life expectancy.
“Norway has some of the most spectacular train rides in the world, and with the new long-distance trains coming in 2027, everything is in place to lift the experience, the comfort, and the quality for the passengers to a whole new level,” Øystein Risan, CEO of Norske tog AS said.
The new Flirtnex electric multiple units will have a capacity of up to 542 seated passengers and will be designed for a top speed of 200 km/h.
Each train set will consist of 8 carriages with a total capacity of up to 542 seated passengers providing increased comfort. The new trains will be designed with two different type of usage. Passengers will benefit from accommodation options for sleeping cars with both reclining seats, 2-bed sleeping compartments and 4-bed sleeping compartments. “During daytime, the sleeping compartments can be used as private seating groups for both families and business travelers. The reclining seats can be used both during the day and night,” the CEO of Norske tog explains.
With the signing of the contract the design process is to start. Through a collaborative effort, Norske tog and Stadler will decide of final adaptions and adjustments before the trains go into production. Train operators and stakeholders will also be included in the process.
“The new train class, Flirtnex trains will offer both reclining seats, flexible sleeping compartments, bistro, family areas, and lots of space for luggage. These are some of the facilities that travelers can look forward to, and which will contribute to making it the most attractive way of traveling in Norway,” project manager at Norske tog AS, Sille Svenkerud Førner said.
Recently, Stadler delivered Flirt train number 150 to Norske tog.
The Norwegian company launched the tender in 2020 which included a framework contract for up to 100 long-distance trains with a firm order for 17 vehicles. NOK 8 billion (EUR 726.28 million) is the estimated value of the contract. At the beginning of 2022, the company has announced that Alstom, CAF, Talgo and Stadler have been shortlisted for the train contract.
The Norwegian company is renewing its train fleet. In 2022, Norske Tog signed with Alstom a EUR 1.8 billion agreement for the delivery of up to 200 Coradia Nordic trains with a firm order for 30 vehicles valued at EUR 380 million which will operate on the Østfold line. Recently, Norske Tog ordered from Alstom 25 additional regional trains for the transport services between Ski and Stabekk in the greater Oslo region.
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