Rock Rail's German subsidiary, Rock Rail NnW, has secured a major deal to finance the acquisition of 61 Siemens Mireo Plus B Battery Electric Multiple Units (BEMUs) for deployment in northwestern Germany. The deal, valued undisclosed, marks a significant step in the region's efforts to modernise and expand its public transportation infrastructure. The new trains will be leased and deployed by an operator that will be selected later this year, managed by the Westphalia-Lippe Local Transport Association (NWL).
This acquisition forms part of a larger regional initiative to replace existing Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs) and reduce the environmental impact of local train services. The 61 Siemens BEMUs will be used for passenger services across the eastern part of the Ruhr region, covering key routes in the northwest of Germany. The new fleet of electric trains will be part of a broader push to increase sustainability and improve the quality of rail services.
The Siemens Mireo Plus B trains are battery-electric multiple units that combine the flexibility of electric operation with the capability to operate on non-electrified tracks. This is especially beneficial for regions like northwestern Germany, where parts of the rail network are not fully electrified. The Mireo Plus B is equipped with the latest technology to ensure optimal energy efficiency, lower maintenance costs, and greater operational reliability.
The fleet is designed with passenger comfort and modernisation in mind. The trains feature advanced, ergonomic seating, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, and real-time passenger information systems. The Mireo Plus B BEMUs also offer excellent accessibility features, catering to all passengers, including those with reduced mobility. Their environmentally friendly operation, including the use of battery power, aligns with Germany's broader transportation goals to reduce emissions and support sustainable travel.
The Westphalia-Lippe Local Transport Association (NWL) is responsible for managing public transport services in the eastern Ruhr region. As part of their plan to enhance regional mobility, NWL intends to tender the operation of this new BEMU fleet later this year. The successful bidder for the operating contract will be selected in 2026, with services set to commence in December 2029.
The 15-year contract will be based on a timetable that sees the operator running a total of 7.1 million train-kilometres each year, replacing the current fleet of DMUs. The new fleet of BEMUs is expected to improve service frequencies, enhance travel comfort, and provide a cleaner, more sustainable option for passengers in the region.
The deployment of these 61 trains will represent the second-largest BEMU fleet in Germany when they enter service. This highlights both the scale of the project and the importance of the transition to battery-electric trains in Germany's transport sector.
The transition from diesel-powered trains to battery-electric units is crucial for Germany's efforts to meet its climate goals. The new fleet of Siemens Mireo Plus B BEMUs will help reduce carbon emissions and noise pollution, improving the overall sustainability of the region's rail network. Battery-electric trains are more energy-efficient, with the ability to recharge at electrified sections of the network and use stored energy when running on non-electrified tracks.
Additionally, BEMUs offer a range of operational benefits. They are capable of operating on tracks without needing costly infrastructure upgrades like full electrification, which can be expensive and time-consuming. This makes them a more cost-effective solution for regions where electrification is not yet feasible. The Mireo Plus B BEMUs will provide NWL with the flexibility to meet its transport needs without sacrificing performance or environmental standards.
The introduction of these new battery-electric trains is a key part of the region's broader strategy to modernise its transport network and reduce its environmental footprint. With Germany setting ambitious goals for sustainability, projects like this one contribute significantly to achieving these targets.
In addition to improving the environmental impact of local rail travel, the deployment of the Siemens Mireo Plus B BEMUs will offer passengers a higher standard of travel. More frequent services, faster connections, and modern facilities will enhance the overall passenger experience, making public transport a more attractive option for commuters in the Ruhr region.
The impact of this project will extend beyond transportation. By modernising its public transport infrastructure, the region is also supporting local economies, driving innovation in green technologies, and positioning itself as a leader in sustainable mobility.
Rock Rail's financing of the Siemens Mireo Plus B BEMU fleet for northwestern Germany represents a significant milestone in the country's ongoing efforts to embrace sustainable transport solutions. With 61 new trains set to replace older diesel units, the project will help reduce emissions, improve passenger comfort, and provide greater operational flexibility.
As the tendering process for operating the fleet moves forward, the successful bidder will have the responsibility of ensuring that these new trains deliver on the promise of a cleaner, more efficient, and more sustainable rail service. This initiative is not only a leap forward for the Ruhr region but also a strong contribution to Germany's ambitious goals for reducing transport-related emissions and advancing green mobility.