The first framework agreements for the consolidated supply of cable protection materials – multi-ducts and cable-ducts – for Rail Baltica have officially entered into force, marking a key milestone in delivering essential construction materials for the cross-border high-speed railway.
Signed with Höhle for multi-ducts and Pipelife Eesti AS for cable-ducts, the agreements establish close cooperation to ensure that all materials meet the highest safety and engineering standards.
“These agreements mark more than just a procedural milestone – they show that our suppliers are ready to deliver at scale. It guarantees that all materials fit into the railway system and meet strict safety and reliability standards,” said Marko Kivila, CEO at RB Rail.
Rail Baltica is being built as a safety-critical system integrating track, signalling, power, rolling stock, and other components. By applying systems engineering principles from the outset, the project ensures that all materials and systems meet the highest standards of safety, performance, and reliability.
A framework agreement is a long-term arrangement between the three Baltic states and a supplier that defines the general terms for future purchases such as pricing, quality, and delivery, but does not create any financial obligations on its own. Instead, it serves as a flexible mechanism allowing each party to procure the needed quantities efficiently under an existing, pre-approved framework.
The selected companies – Höhle and Pipelife Eesti– are both reputable Estonian manufacturers with strong international experience and high quality standards. Höhle, part of HellermannTyton Estonia, is the leading producer of micro ducts in the Baltics, exporting to 20 European countries. “The contract with RB Rail is a great example of how public sector investments can stimulate the wider economy, especially at a time when many European export markets are facing macroeconomic challenges. As always, we are committed to delivering on our promises,” said Toomas Koobas, CEO of Höhle.
Established in 1993 in Estonia and operating from its main production base near Tallinn, Pipelife Eesti is part of the wider Pipelife brand, fully owned by wienerberger since 2012. It is one of the leading piping solutions providers in the Baltics. “We are very pleased to have been selected as a supplier for one of the largest infrastructure projects of the century in this region and take on this responsibility with full dedication,” said Alar Anga, General Manager at Pipelife Eesti.
The cable protection materials for Rail Baltica play an essential role in protecting power and communication cables along the railway. They ensure safe, organised, and long-lasting installation, protecting cables from mechanical damage, moisture, and temperature variations, and simplifying future maintenance or system upgrades.
The remaining consolidated procurements have been completed, and the final decisions by the national stakeholders are currently under consideration. The total value of these agreements amounts to EUR 1.13 billion. This represents the maximum estimated contract value, including the cost of superstructure materials for the full scope of the Rail Baltica project.
The next material groups planned for framework agreements include key superstructure components such as sleepers with fastening systems and under sleeper pads, rails, railway ballast, turnouts, and rail expansion joints. Additional local manufacturers are also preparing to join the supply chain, further strengthening regional industry participation and production capacity.
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