Ukraine Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and the French Minister of Economy, Finance and Recovery Bruno Le Maire signed four framework agreements totalling EUR 1.3 billion which includes the delivery of electric freight locomotives.
“The French Republic enters TOP-10 strategic partners of Ukraine. It is extremely important for us to continue the high level of cooperation that has now been formed between our countries,” the Prime Minister of Ukraine said at the signing ceremony.
Under the agreements, Alstom will deliver 130 electric locomotives with a value of up to EUR 900 million, with a share of localisation of 35 per cent.
“The governmental support for the modernisation of Ukrzaliznytsia’s electric locomotive fleet is a clear signal that the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine is taking decisive steps to support the urgent needs of the railway industry. It is also a signal for the national economy that the Government is aimed at developing the economic potential of Ukraine, strengthening the transit position of the state. Thousands of railway workers welcome the Government’s decision to sign the framework agreement, ” the Acting Chairman of the Management Board of Ukrainian Railways, Ivan Yuryk, said.
Alstom is one of the leaders in the production of electric freight locomotives and has extensive experience in manufacturing the rolling stock for the 1520-mm gauge rail system.
Alstom plans to offer Ukrzaliznytsia the Prima T8 locomotives that can move up to 9,000 tonnes and run at a speed of 120 km/h.
Ukrzaliznytsia has plans to renew and modernise its rolling stock, particularly its electric freight locomotives and by 2025 intends to purchase more than 50 vehicles and by 2033, another batch of 265 locomotives. Within the next decade, the company will need at least 315 new electric locomotives.
Under the signed agreements, France will also deliver specialized rescue equipment for work on high-rise buildings, and 370 ladders worth EUR 300 million and will contribute to the improvement of the water supply in Kyiv and Luhansk region with projects totalling a EUR 140 million investment.
For Ukraine, the localisation is of great importance to develop its economy and domestic industry. “All the projects provide for localisation at Ukrainian enterprises from 30 per cent and above which is fully in line with our strategy for the development of national production,” said Denys Shmyhal.
Recently, Ukraine Railways signed with Stadler an agreement under which if the Swiss company will win a train tender, it should consider the localisation of passenger trains’ production with activities expected to take place at the Kyiv Electrical Carriage-Repair Plant.
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