The Norwegian train operator Vy Tog and VR FleetCare signed a contract for extensive modernisation and commercial upgrade of couchette coaches.
The contract covers the modernisation of eight BDcmz 874.1 couchette coaches, carried out in Finland at VR FleetCare’s Oulu depot in Northern Finland opened in 2013 and at the Pieksämäki service workshop, located in the Southern Savonia region, 300 km northeast from Helsinki.
The modernisation project starts immediately, and the refurbished cars are expected to be delivered to Vy Tog during 2021. “This contract signed with Vy Tog is an extremely significant first step for us in the markets opening up in Norway. We are happy that Vy Tog chose us as their partner. This strengthens our confidence in the future and promotes our international growth goals,” VR FleetCare’s CEO Kimmo Soini said.
The couchette coaches, which were previously used by Deutsche Bahn, will undergo extensive modifications before they can operate in Norway. The cars will be painted on the outside and modifications to make them operationally reliable in the winter will be carried out. The interiors of the cars will also be renewed, and travel comfort increased. For the modifications, VR FleetCare designed several innovative solutions to offer high quality and cost efficiency.
“VR Fleetcare has provided a strong and competitive offer that meets our needs. We are confident in our choice of provider and look forward to the cooperation and to launching the upgraded coaches on Bergensbanen,” Amund Kjelland, the Head of tendering and projects, rolling stock at Vy said.
Under the contract, the cars will be transported to Finland by rail. Six cars will be transported from Crailsheim, Germany, and two cars from Oslo, Norway, to Oulu, Finland. First, the cars will arrive at the Oulu depot via Tornio, where most of the work will be carried out. During the refurbishment, the cars will also go to Pieksämäki workshop, where they will be surface-treated and painted.
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