Rolls-Royce Power Systems and the rail leasing company Alpha Trains have signed a long-term framework agreement for approximately 700 overhauls of the mtu PowerPack systems installed on the diesel multiple units in the Alpha Trains fleet. The contract covers the entire remaining service life of the Coradia Lint, Talent, and Desiro trainsets currently in operation across Europe.
The agreement focuses on the maintenance of underfloor traction systems to ensure they remain technically and economically viable for the remainder of the trains’ operational life.
The two companies say the goal is a long-term partnership centered on high availability, predictable planning, and more manageable operating costs.
Maintenance Tailored for Different Operators
According to Rolls-Royce, maintenance programs will be tailored to the needs of Alpha Trains and its customers, and technical solutions will be developed in parallel to prevent the premature failure of components or systems.
The company says the agreement should ensure long-term component availability and clearer work planning, which is important for a fleet operated by various customers across multiple European markets.
The contract covers diesel multiple units well-known in Europe
The agreement includes diesel multiple units from the following families: All these trains use mtu PowerPack systems, i.e., compact units that combine the engine, transmission, on-board power generation, and other auxiliary equipment, such as the cooling system and exhaust gas treatment.
Rolls-Royce focuses on ECM certification
Rolls-Royce Power Systems says it has introduced the European maintenance certification ECM 4 at its technology center in Magdeburg, which specializes in the standardized reconditioning of mtu products.
The company adds that ECM 2 certification is expected to be obtained by the end of 2026. In Rolls-Royce’s view, these certifications should support higher quality standards and greater technical availability of rolling stock.
Alpha Trains seeks predictability and clearer costs
Alpha Trains says that through this agreement it aims to achieve greater predictability in both work planning and cost control by treating a fleet shared among multiple operators as a single unit.
The company’s message is that this type of agreement can increase the commercial appeal of its diesel fleet, offering customers and operators a clearer and more stable maintenance package in the long term.
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