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Large rolling stock modernisation project for VR FleetCare from SJ

5. April 2023 News and press releases

The cooperation of the Finnish rail fleet maintenance company VR FleetCare with the Swedish railway operator SJ AB is evolving. The two companies have signed an agreement to modernise X40 train fleet, with the aim of extending fleet’s life cycle and improving the travel comfort of customers. The agreement now signed, includes a comprehensive modernisation of the X40 fleet's 27 electric trains and an update of the passenger information system. The agreement is worth over EUR 35 million.

“Above all, I am proud of SJ's confidence in us. The agreement on rolling stock modernisation with SJ is a great opening for us in the Swedish rail fleet maintenance market. The project we won also demonstrates our capabilities and the success of our international growth strategy,” says Otso Ikonen, CEO of VR FleetCare.

The planning and implementation of project will begin immediately and the last of the overhauled X40 series cars will be delivered to the customer in 2027. The work will be carried out in Finland at VR FleetCare's Oulu depot’s project centre and at the Pieksämäki workshop.

Modernisation aim to improve the travel experience

The X40, manufactured by Alstom, is SJ's three-car, two-floor electric multiple unit. The trains were commissioned in 2004–2008. The aim is to carry out a comprehensive renovation of the interior and exterior of the rolling stock, including a modification to the layout of the passenger compartment, the replacement of the seats and lighting, and the modernisation of the passenger information system. The trains’ surfaces will also be treated and painted according to the customer's brand.

Investments at the Oulu depot

VR FleetCare's maintenance units already have a good framework for rolling stock projects, but new solutions are needed for the surface treatment of rolling stock and the transfer of foreign rolling stock on the Finnish railway network. Investments will be made in a modern preparation facility for the Oulu depot’s maintenance hall at the earliest opportunity. In addition, the new transfer adapter bogies to be acquired, which will be suitable for the Finnish track gauge, will ease up the transfer of rolling stock to maintenance units.

The historic agreement was signed on 4.4.2023 in Stockholm. In the picture, Monica Lingegård, CEO of SJ AB, and Otso Ikonen, CEO of VR FleetCare.

The agreement between SJ and VR FleetCare was signed on April 4th, 2023 in Stockholm. In the photo, Monica Lingegård, CEO of SJ AB, and Otso Ikonen, CEO of FleetCare.