Danish Electrification

THE CHALLENGE

Around half of Denmark’s suburban lines were electrified in the 1990s, with state-owned rail infrastructure company Banedanmark now looking to electrify up to 2000 km more of its existing line. The goal is to run a more environmentally-friendly rail system and to provide shorter journey times to its customers.

The electrification programme will see the installation of a catenary system, creating infrastructure to supply power from the grid, and modifications to civil structures. There are 15 sections of line to be electrified, nine of which have been bundled into one package procured under a design-build-maintain contract. The remaining six will be electrified at a later time.

We have been able to use SNCF’s experience as an operator and also some of their specialist simulation tools to help us write the specifications and carry out the basic design
SYSTRA project manager Ludwig Cueff

SYSTRA’S ROLE

SYSTRA, with our joint venture partner COWI, has been working with Banedanmark on the Electrification Programme since July 2013, providing technical expertise and contract management through all the stages of the programme. A team of 30 SYSTRA engineers from around the world is working on the programme.

As an integral part of the client team, the JV’s first task was to develop a procurement strategy, together with a basic design and functional specifications for the tender. During the tender process, we provided information to the bidders as part of the negotiation process and advised Banedanmark in evaluating the bids. After contract award, our role is to administer the contract from a technical and financial perspective, overseeing the budget and programme and supervising and auditing the contractor’s work through the design and construction phases.