Rock Rail and Siemens Mobility Advance Battery Rail Operations in Germany

Battery-electric trains will begin operating on the North Westphalia network from 2029 under a long-term partnership between Siemens Mobility, Rock Rail and NWL. The agreement covers the maintenance of 61 Mireo Plus B trains for up to 30 years and is designed to ensure high fleet availability while supporting the region’s transition to greener rail transport.

Rock Rail is relying on Siemens Mobility’s comprehensive Railigent X operations and maintenance concept in its work with the Westfalen-Lippe Local Transport Authority (NWL) to further develop regional rail transport in the Network North Westphalia (NNW).

At the centre of the project is a full-service contract for 61 battery-electric Mireo Plus B trains, with a term of up to 30 years. As part of this long-term service package, Siemens Mobility will take full responsibility for maintenance of the fleet, ensuring almost 100 per cent availability.

The trains are scheduled to enter service from December 2029, supporting more reliable, efficient and sustainable rail operations across North Westphalia.

Long-Term Service Contract Focuses on Reliability

"Long-term service contracts are a key factor in ensuring reliable and sustainable rail transport. This contract underscores precisely this importance: with our full-service approach, we are taking on complete maintenance of the Mireo Plus B fleet on the Network North Westphalia, thereby ensuring virtually uninterrupted availability over many years. In doing so, we are laying the foundations for efficient, cost-effective operations whilst also making an important contribution to the decarbonisation of rail transport in Westphalia," said Elmar Zeiler, CEO of Customer Service at Siemens Mobility.

Mike Kean, Chief Operating Officer at Rock Rail, described the agreement as another milestone for the company’s activities in Germany: "Reaching financial close on NWL marks another important milestone for Rock Rail and reflects the continued momentum of our business in Germany. The project demonstrates how innovative financing structures, specialist rolling stock expertise and long-term private capital can help deliver cleaner, more efficient transport solutions. We are proud to be working with Siemens Mobility, John Laing and NWL to bring this important fleet into service for passengers across the region."

Investment in Regional Rail Infrastructure

According to Christiane Auffermann, Managing Director of NWL, the project extends beyond the introduction of new trains.

"An attractive rail service needs more than just modern trains. For us, it is crucial that passengers on the Northern Westphalia network continue to benefit from a reliable and efficient service in the future. We are setting the course for this with our long-term service concept. At the same time, the planned investments in regional service and maintenance infrastructure send an important signal for the sustainable development of Westphalia-Lippe as a railway hub."

Railigent X Supports Predictive Maintenance Strategy

Under the long-term agreement, Siemens Mobility’s Customer Services division will oversee the entire lifecycle of the fleet.

The maintenance strategy combines preventive, corrective, and predictive maintenance, supported by digital analytics through the Railigent X platform. This approach enables condition-based maintenance before trains enter the workshop, helping to reduce downtime, optimise maintenance processes and lower operating costs over the long term.

Mireo Plus B Fleet Supports Decarbonisation Goals

The new Mireo Plus B battery-electric multiple units (BEMUs) are designed to operate using overhead line power where available and continue on non-electrified routes with zero local emissions.

The trains feature intelligent energy management systems and regenerative braking technology to maximise efficiency and reduce operating costs.

In addition to their sustainable propulsion system, the fleet will offer passengers Wi-Fi connectivity, multiple charging points, accessible boarding and spacious multi-purpose areas, supporting both comfort and accessibility across the network.

_{Source: Siemens Mobility}