Belgium’s state-owned passenger operator SNCB has reconfirmed CAF as the preferred supplier for the delivery of a new EMU and BEMU fleet.
Following the suspension by the Council of State of SNCB’s initial decision on 28 February 2025 to designate CAF as the preferred bidder, the SNCB Board of Directors decided on 23 July 2025 to reaffirm CAF’s status as the preferred bidder. This decision was made based on a careful review that took into account the Council of State’s ruling.
Under the framework agreement, CAF is now the preferred bidder for the development, manufacturing, and supply of the AM30 trains. The Board approved the continuation of the procurement process with CAF, aiming to finalise the award of the framework contract.
The contract covers a maximum scope of 170,000 seats, with an initial base order valued at approximately EUR 1.7 billion for units totaling 54,000 seats. The estimated total value of the framework agreement is EUR 3.4 billion, which will support the gradual replacement of the existing MR30 railcar fleet.
SNCB has addressed media reports and allegations regarding the initial selection of CAF as the preferred bidder. The operator noted that all three tenderers—CAF, Alstom, and Siemens Mobility—included plans to engage local suppliers, a topic that has generated discussion. SNCB reiterated its firm position, made public in March 2025, that it cannot grant preferential treatment to local production within the European Union’s legal framework. Awarding additional points based on local manufacturing, local knowledge development, or employment benefits is prohibited under European law. The operator emphasised that the selection criteria were strictly based on the best price-quality ratio.
In December 2022, the SNCB Board approved the selection and award criteria and launched a European tender for a framework contract to supply new trainsets, starting with an initial order of 54,000 seats. The new trains are designed to provide comprehensive passenger comfort, including independent accessibility for persons with reduced mobility, quiet zones, information screens, onboard connectivity, and adequate space for bicycles. The order also includes battery-powered trains to eventually replace existing diesel multiple units.
This EMU and BEMU fleet supply contract forms part of the 2023–2032 Public Service Contract signed between SNCB and the Belgian State in December 2022, which mandates the renewal of 50% of SNCB’s fleet by the end of the contract period. Timely delivery of the new trains is therefore crucial to meet rising passenger demand, enhance customer comfort, and replace ageing rolling stock that is prone to breakdowns with more flexible and energy-efficient units.
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