Railway operator SNCB confirms Spanish firm CAF as preferred bidder for major train order
The board of directors of Belgian state-owned railway operator SNCB/NMBS has reaffirmed Spanish train manufacturer CAF as its preferred bidder for a new fleet of trains in a multi-billion-euro contract. The order will provide at least 54,000 seats and forms part of a wider initiative to modernise half of the company's rolling stock by 2032.
The statement follows the public service agreement signed by SNCB and the federal government in December 2022. The agreement sets out ambitious targets for passenger growth, energy efficiency and improved comfort. Replacing ageing, unreliable rolling stock is crucial to achieving these goals.
European tender
In December 2022, SNCB launched a European tender for a framework agreement. The initial order covered trains equivalent to 54,000 seats. These new units will include battery-powered trains, which are expected to replace the current diesel fleet over time.
Key features of the new trains include improved accessibility for people with reduced mobility, quiet zones, on-board passenger information systems, bicycle spaces and full digital connectivity.
Wednesday’s confirmation follows the Belgian Council of State’s temporary suspension of the decision to appoint CAF as the top-ranked bidder in February 2025. In response, SNCB re-evaluated its decision and issued a new justification in line with the Council’s ruling. The company has stated that the original ranking of the bidders - CAF, Siemens and Alstom - remains unchanged following further legal and technical analysis.
Collaboration with local suppliers
All three bidders, including CAF, have stated their intention to collaborate with local suppliers as part of the project. The SNCB board has welcomed this and invited CAF to develop these plans further. The board has also instructed management to seek formal confirmation from CAF that its operations comply with international law and human rights standards.
The decision to award the contract to CAF has sparked controversy in Belgium. Trade unions and local politicians have criticised the exclusion of the French manufacturer Alstom, warning that this could jeopardise the future of its Bruges factory, which employs hundreds of people. Critics argue that the SNCB's decision fails to prioritise domestic employment.
However, earlier this month, federal Mobility minister Jean-Luc Crucke of Les Engagés reiterated that the SNCB was legally independent and bound by European public procurement rules, which prohibit favouring local production.
"The original ranking of candidates was explicitly confirmed," said Crucke, citing an external legal opinion and an independent technical audit that validated the evaluation process.
© BELGA PHOTO SISKA GREMMELPREZ
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