Three international teams have been shortlisted to compete for the Transportation System contract for Copenhagen’s future M5 Metro line, marking an important procurement milestone for one of Denmark’s major upcoming rail projects.
The contract covers what project promoter Metroselskabet describes as the core transportation systems required to transform the new infrastructure into an operational automated metro.
Three shortlisted teams
The shortlisted bidders are:
- CAF – Holbøll consortium, with TSO as subcontractor
- Hitachi Rail STS S.p.A.
- Stadler Rail Schweiz AG-led consortium, including Aarsleff Rail, Per Aarsleff and CG Jensen, with Egis as sub-consultant
The competition brings together several major international rolling stock, railway systems, infrastructure and engineering organisations.
More than a rolling stock contract
The M5 Transportation System procurement is significantly broader than the supply of trains.
The package is expected to include 14 metro trains, together with the signalling system, platform screen doors, traction power and other railway systems required for operation of the new automated line.
The scope also includes the Control & Maintenance Centre (CMC) and associated equipment, as well as requirements relating to maintenance, training and system integration.
A particularly important element will be the integration between the Transportation System contractor and the separate M5 civil works packages.
The procurement has an estimated value of approximately €550 million, with long-term maintenance obligations forming part of the overall contract arrangements.
Major opportunity for the rail systems supply chain
With the three teams now shortlisted, the next stage of competition could create opportunities across the international railway supply chain.
Potential areas of involvement include:
- Rolling stock and onboard systems
- Signalling and automatic train control
- Traction power and electrical systems
- Platform screen doors
- Telecommunications and operational communications
- SCADA and control systems
- Systems integration and interface management
- RAMS and safety assurance
- Cybersecurity
- Testing and commissioning
- Depot and maintenance systems
- Specialist engineering and technical consultancy
Railway suppliers, specialist subcontractors, consultants and business development teams targeting the Nordic metro market will therefore be watching the procurement closely as the shortlisted teams develop their bids and supply chains.
Copenhagen’s new M5 Metro
M5 is planned as a new stand-alone, fully automated metro line serving developing areas of Copenhagen and strengthening connectivity with the existing public transport network.
The first phase is planned to include approximately 6.5 km of twin-bore tunnels, underground stations and an elevated section.
The initial M5 alignment is expected to serve:
København H – Bryggebroen – DR Byen – Amagerbrogade S – Lergravsparken – Prags Boulevard Øst
Phase 1 is currently targeted to enter passenger service in 2036.
A future second phase is planned to extend the network towards Refshaleøen and Lynetteholm, with an indicative opening around 2045.
Separate civil works procurement
Metroselskabet is also progressing procurement for the M5 civil infrastructure.
The civil works include twin-bore TBM tunnels, underground stations, an elevated section and station, shafts, cross-passages, crossover structures and associated infrastructure.
Together, the civil and transportation system procurements represent a substantial pipeline of opportunities for contractors, consultants, equipment manufacturers and specialist railway suppliers over the coming years.
What happens next?
The shortlisted Transportation System teams will move forward through the competitive procurement process before Metroselskabet selects the contractor responsible for delivering the core railway systems for M5.
For companies involved in rail systems, integration, testing, specialist equipment and engineering services, the progression of CAF, Hitachi Rail and the Stadler-led consortium provides an early indication of the organisations around which future M5 supply chains could develop.
RailBays will continue to follow the Copenhagen M5 procurement as the bidding process progresses.
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