Brussels (Brussels Morning) – High-speed railway carrier Eurostar has announced it is functioning on “thoroughly renewing and growing its fleet” with up to 50 new trains, while also indicating extending its services to other destinations.
The company running high-speed trains between France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and the UK joined with Thalys last year, expanding its fleet to 51 trains.
How Many New Trains Is Eurostar Planning to Order?
It is now preparing to order up to 50 fresh trains. This will bring the number of trains in its caravan to 67, as most of the orders will go towards replacing elder trains – mainly the ex-Thalys trains. The company expects the first latest trains to hit the tracks in 2030.
“There is a huge demand for our services and we have big European ambitions,” Eurostar chief executive Gwendoline Cazenave stated in a press release. “Investing in up to 50 new trains will increase capacity and give customers a progressive experience in terms of comfort, accessibility and sustainability.”
What Are Eurostar’s Goals for Passenger Capacity by 2030?
Earlier this year, the company reported that it had welcomed 18.6 million passengers on board its trains, one-fifth more than the 15.3 million passengers registered in 2022. Eurostar’s key ambition is to increase to 30 million passengers a year by 2030.
The company has also pledged to ensure that all trains run on 100% renewable energy by 2030. In the Netherlands, Eurostar trains have already been operating on 100% wind power since 2017, while in Belgium, an arrangement was signed with national rail network operator Infrabel earlier this year to examine the installation of new solar projects to power trains.
In recent months, the appearances of two new high-speed lines to London in rounds with Eurostar – one running from Paris to London without stopping in Brussels, and another from the Netherlands to London and Paris commencing from the end of 2027 which will take stop twice in Belgium – have been confirmed.
When Was Eurostar’s Last Fleet Expansion and Renewal?
The last time Eurostar authorised new trains was almost a decade ago, in late 2015. The first Siemens-built Velaro e320n became active at this time. Eurostar now has 17 such trains, which operate between London and mainland Europe. These are the only trains that will remain in the fleet: the other vehicles – created by French company Alstom and Siemens – will be superseded by the new trains.
However, it will take some time before standard passengers board a new train, as Eurostar is only at the opening of the process of ordering the trains. During 2025, it will probably become clear who will be commissioned to create the trains. It has not disclosed any information about how much the new trains will cost.
Where Does Eurostar Plan to Expand Its Network?
Meanwhile, Eurostar also indicated an expansion of the network into new countries, but the programs for this are not yet concrete and no nations have been named. It has already been noted in the past it wants to develop “open hubs” to link Eurostar services to domestic networks or long-haul flights, for example through the air-rail partnership with KLM.
Its terminals are also gaining facelifts. This year, Eurostar’s cross-Channel terminal at Amsterdam Centraal station will be shut for six months for renovation works to grow its capacity. The Channel Terminal in Brussels-Midi railway station – the wave between the Schengen zone and the United Kingdom – will also be revived. The renovation works will witness the number of seats being doubled, enhanced sanitary facilities and lighting and will add more catering facilities.
