Ukraine, Spain: The relevant agreement has been signed between the Ukrainian national operator Ukrzaliznytsia (UZ), Spanish infrastructure operator Adif and engineering company Tria.
Within two years, the parties are expected to design a bogie allowing for automatic transition of freight wagons between 1,520 and 1,435 mm gauges. “If the tests are successful, commercial production of the bogies will be discussed, as well as manufacture of freight cars fitted with the technology, for both Ukrainian and European markets,” says Volodymyr Shemayev, Director of UZ’s Office for International Projects.
The technology is reported to allow for seamless changing of the gauge and reducing the time for crossing the border between Ukraine and European countries, thus contributing to cutting the logistics costs. The Spanish government supports the project with a non-repayable grant of €5.4 mln, provided by the FIEM fund, which endorses international projects with Spain’s participation.
It is worth noting that Tria, one of the project partners, has been testing in Spain its own automatic gauge-changing technology for freight wagons. The solution is developed in collaboration with the engineering company Ogi. Currently, the certifications are received for the prototype of adjustable axles for wheels with diameters of 760 mm and 920 mm (pictured), as well as for the corresponding gauge changer, which switches from 1,668 mm to 1,435 mm gauge. Unlike Talgo’s solution used in passenger trains, this technology represents an entire wheelset with axles rather than independent wheels.
