ABB wins $200 m order to equip Sweden’s nextgen high-speed trains

ABB, one of the leading power and automation technology groups, has won an order of $200 million to supply the electrical systems for all 36 ‘SJ 2000’ next generation high-speed trains for SJ, Sweden’s state-owned rail operator.
SJ will invest a total of around $510 million in a comprehensive program for the SJ 2000 trains, for which ABB will supply and install energy-efficient technology. ABB will book its order in the first quarter of 2014 in the Discrete Automation and Motion Division. ABB will supply the entire power conversion and control systems on the SJ 2000 trains, delivering modern technology for the coming decade. The trains, which were launched in the late 1980s, will also be newly equipped with a fresh-looking interior design.
The first retrofitted train will be delivered in 2015. After successful testing and evaluation, the remainder of the trains will be built incrementally through 2019. Disassembly and assembly will be done in Sweden together with a local partner.
“The equipment of high-speed trains is a growing market for ABB’s rail business for which we are very well positioned, building on our company’s combined power and automation solutions,” said Ulrich Spiesshofer, CEO, ABB. “With a comprehensive portfolio of traction solutions, power electronic packages and project management expertise globally and in Sweden, we are a reliable partner for world-class train operators including SJ here in Sweden.”
The SJ 2000’s upgraded electrical systems will ensure more reliable power supply while reducing energy consumption in a significant way. Punctuality, reliability and higher comfort are key factors to further improve customer satisfaction.
“The need and demand for eco-friendly, comfortable travel will keep increasing. Passenger train journeys went up by 59 per cent from 1997 to 2010. All signs point to a further strong increase, not least in terms of business travel as companies live up to their sustainability commitments,” said Crister Fritzson, CEO, SJ. “This initiative will enable SJ to offer the most comfortable train journeys on the main inter-city lines in Sweden for a long time ahead.”
ABB’s scope of supply includes traction converters, traction transformers, battery chargers, train control systems and infotainment equipment. This project follows ABB’s successful refurbishment of high-speed InterCityExpress (ICE 1) trains operated by Deutsche Bahn, Germany’s national rail operator.
The SJ 2000 train carriages were built by one of ABB’s predecessor firms ASEA in the late 1980s.

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