Baltic states announce joint train procurement

The Baltic states have previously organised several large joint procurements for the "Rail Baltica" project for track and electrification systems. Now, a similar approach is planned for the procurement of trains that will run on this line.

Three types of trains are planned to run on the new line: freight trains, international high-speed trains, and regional trains. In total, operators in all three Baltic countries plan to purchase up to 20 regional trains. The exact procurement costs will be known after the manufacturer is selected and the contract is signed.

Joint procurement also provides strategic advantages for the countries. By creating a unified Baltic train fleet, it will be simpler and cheaper to maintain them over the next 35 years, and it also allows the region to negotiate with manufacturers from a stronger position.

"It always makes sense to implement such projects jointly. This allows us, as the buyer, to sit at the same table with the industry’s major players and manufacturers, sparking genuine interest in our procurement. This is a significant economic benefit that ensures we receive the best offers," said Märt Ehrenpreis, a member of the Elron board.

Although the trains will be technically identical, each operator will manage its own fleet, while the exterior design of the rolling stock will reflect the respective national operator’s brand.

The procurement of the trains has already begun, despite the fact that track construction throughout the Baltics is still underway. Taking into account the risk that new trains could be purchased and left idle without suitable tracks, Latvia, together with Lithuania, has currently opted for a "more flexible approach".

Latvia plans to purchase up to five regional trains, while retaining the right to decide on the purchase of these trains within three years after the first train is put into service by the Estonian operator “Elron”. 

"At this time, Latvia is not assuming any financial obligations or making any commitments to purchase. It is truly an option that we may or may not exercise. If the situation changes, then, of course, we may also choose not to use it. Therefore, it is clear that this will depend in some way on how the "Rail Baltica" project develops overall," said Vivi board chairman Raitis Nešpors.

This means that Latvia is not currently making any immediate commitment to purchase these trains. The final decision on the purchase of trains in Latvia will depend not only on the readiness of the route, but also on whether the necessary funding can be secured politically.