The appeal means that the tender process is now suspended, although NS says it is confident that it can maintain the schedule for ordering the new trains which it wants to start introducing in 2021.
NS selected Alstom as preferred supplier from the four remaining bidders for the contract as it had the highest scores on reliability, investment costs, maintainability, energy efficiency, design of the train in relation to the needs of both passengers and staff, support after delivery and the authorisation to place in service (APS). In addition to Siemens, the other bidders were Bombardier and Stadler, both of which are reported to have accepted the NS decision and preference for Alstom.
Alstom is believed to be offering a train based on its Coradia platform. The ICNG trains need to be dual voltage (1.5kV dc and 25kV ac), and will replace ICMm Koploper EMUs and ICRm coaches.
One option is for additional trains suitable for operation on both the conventional network and HSL South high-speed line, and for operation in Belgium for which 3kV dc capability would be required. It is intended to replace the present hourly-interval Amsterdam - Brussels Benelux IC-trains, composed of Traxx multi-voltage locomotives and NS ICRm coaches, by ICNG EMUs starting in 2025. However, a final decision has yet to be taken.
