Stadler has signed a contract with Arriva Nederland to provide servicing and maintenance for a fleet of 69 bi-mode and electrical trains in the north of Holland between 2020 and 2035. The contract follows a previous agreement between the companies for Stadler to provide servicing and maintenance between 2006 and 2021.

In November 2017 Arriva was the first operator to place an order with Stadler for its new WINK trains. Arriva requested 18 WINK units and at the same time agreed that Stadler would refurbish its 51 GTW trains that operate on the Noordelijke Lijnen in Friesland and Groningen. The 2017 contract included the conversion of the 18 bi-mode WINK trains into full zero-emission units and the work to upgrade the GTW trains with new passenger information systems and battery packs for storing braking energy.

Hein van der Schoot, Managing Director of Stadler Service for the Netherlands and UK, said:

‘We are thrilled to be awarded this contract. It sees Stadler blazing a trail within the industry for cutting edge, green technology and is testament to our commitment to mitigating the effects of climate change. We are also proud to continue the long term partnership with Arriva Netherlands, which has already proved successful for many years and resulted in excellent passenger satisfaction.’

Anne Hettinga, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Arriva Nederland, said:

‘The cooperation between Arriva and Stadler is an economic driver for the northern part of The Netherlands. This contract is a big step in the preparation for the new concession. We look forward to working together for 15 more years. We apply our innovative approach to developing new trains as well as service and maintenance.’

To fulfill this contract Stadler will expand its depot at Leeuwarden by adding a third track and hiring additional mechanics.

WINKs

The WINKs will be powered by hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and batteries. HVO is a second-generation bio-diesel which is made of vegetable oil and fat waste. After the partial electrification of the Leeuwarden-Groningen route in 2025 the WINKs will only use the energy stored in their batteries along the non-electrified sections. The HVO will not be required.

GTWs

Stadler will fully overhaul the GTWs inside and out in 2020. The works will include converting the trains to battery operation, making them much more environmentally friendly than they have been.