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Remember this, folks, when the EU preaches to Ireland about fair trade in tenders

  • 01-10-2010 05:10PM
    #1
    dowlingm
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,349 ✭✭✭


    http://www.railwaygazette.com/nc/news/single-view/view/eurostar-picks-velaro-to-expand-fleet.html
    EUROPE: Recently-restructured cross-Channel operator Eurostar International is understood to have selected Siemens as preferred bidder to supply additional trainsets to operate an expanded route network, with the decision due to be confirmed at a board meeting on October 1.
    ...
    However, there are reported to be concerns from the French government about a company majority-owned by SNCF looking to buy trains from a non-French supplier. Railway Gazette International understands that there has been pressure for the IGC not to permit the use of distributed traction through the Tunnel.

    Compliance with the Channel Tunnel rules is a vital component in funding the deal, as the banks would need certainty that expensive trains would not be held in store due to acceptance issues. It is believed that the French authorities see fostering uncertainty as a way to delay the procurement.


Comments

  • #2
    Vic_08
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,090 ✭✭✭Vic_08


    There is more to that than just keeping the manufacturing in France. Eurostar/SNCF are very keen to keep the current safety regulations in place as it effectively bans alll but their trains from the tunnel. DB are pushing hard for some of the requirements to be recinded, as they are eager to expand their ICE network to London. Many of these additional safety features unique to Eurostar sets have never been utilised in service since the tunnel has opened.

    I would have thought it would be more cost effective for the additional Eurostar sets that have been in use on SNCF TGV routes to be returned to E* use as they are already fully compliant. These sets were built for services that were to run to other major UK cities. Due to various reasons this never happened and most of the sets ended up with SNCF, a few even spent some time on UK inter-city routes.

    It is also a shame that they were allowed to sell the night service stock to Canada before it ever turned a wheel in service through the tunnel, the chances of any more being built now is very unlikely and none of the current UK or European night train coaches would ever be allowed carry passengers through the tunnel.


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