by Olivier Acuña Barba •Revealed: July 23, 2025•15:33•2 minutes learn
Spanish practice builders got the chance to replace and broaden the Belgian practice fleet. Credit score: Ottignies©SNCB
Spanish practice maker CAF surpasses all different rivals, profitable a 3.4 billion euro contract and establishing tons of of trains to resume the Belgian railway fleet, Belgian Nationwide Railway Firm (SNBC) mentioned in a press launch Wednesday. Native commerce unions are concerned with home employment, so no choices have been handed with out controversy.
SNBC goals to replace not less than half its fleet by 2023, in accordance with a press launch, and improve it to fulfill the elevated demand for passengers as a lot as doable.
“The 2023-2032 Public Providers Settlement was concluded with the Belgium in December 2022, and subsequently 50% of the SNCB fleet will probably be renewed by the tip of this era.
CAF can ship time and factors
CAF outperforms the opposite two bid finalists as they consider that Belgian corporations are prime precedence for the nation and subsequently can ship new railcars on time.
“The board has accredited the standards for choice and awards and known as for Europe to bid for a framework settlement for the supply of recent railcars, together with 54,000 seats as a part of the preliminary order,” the corporate added.
They defined that every one new trains should present all of the consolation they want for passengers, together with diminished mobility, quiet zones, info screens, connectivity and autonomous accessibility to individuals with ample house for bicycles.
“Orders additionally embody battery-powered trains supposed to finally change present diesel rail vehicles,” SNBC mentioned.
One of many necessities of the bidding guidelines known as for producers to say the usage of native service suppliers.
The board has directed that, in preparation for the ultimate award choice, it will require affirmation from the CAF that its actions are in compliance with worldwide legislation and human rights as a part of its ongoing dialogue with precedence bidders.
Wednesday’s affirmation follows the Belgian Council quickly suspending NMBS’ choice in February 2025 to nominate CAF as a top-ranked bidder. It has been reported.
Inflicting controversy
In response, the NMB reevaluated its choice and issued a brand new justification consistent with the council’s choice. The corporate says it has already decided that the unique rankings of bidders, CAF, Siemens and Alstom, won’t change following additional authorized and technical evaluation.
The Belgian information company additionally mentioned the choice to award the CAF a contract sparked controversy in Belgium.
“Unions and native politicians have criticised the elimination of French producer Alstom, warning that this might put the way forward for the Bruges manufacturing facility, which employs tons of of individuals,” they mentioned. “Critics argue that SNBC’s choice did not prioritize home employment.”
Negotiations are underway with the CAF, and the SNBC Board has assured that it’s going to formally affirm with the Spanish firm that its operations won’t have an effect on native employment.
