The pledge was revealed by Igor van den Essen, Regional President of APM Terminals Africa-Europe, during a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the sidelines of the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali. The delegation included Martijn Van Dongen, Head of Investments at APM Terminals, and Frederik Klinke, CEO of APM Terminals Nigeria. This  $600M investment is poised to play a crucial role in the modernisation of the Apapa port, a key gateway for trade in West Africa.

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu welcomed the $600M investment, underscoring Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to reposition itself for enhanced competitiveness through robust economic reforms and comprehensive infrastructure renewal. The administration reiterated its determination to dismantle structural impediments and outdated systems within the maritime sector, emphasizing the critical need for the adoption of advanced technology, accelerated cargo processing, and improved operational efficiencies across all Nigerian ports. The President highlighted Nigeria’s considerable market size, skilled human capital, and overall economic potential as strong foundations for sustaining globally competitive maritime and logistics infrastructure, encouraging further investment partnerships.

Van den Essen commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda and policy direction, citing it as a catalyst for increased investor confidence and renewed momentum for long-term infrastructure development. He described Nigeria as a strategically vital hub within APM Terminals’ extensive African operations, referencing over two decades of successful collaboration and substantial existing investments in the country’s port ecosystem. The company reaffirmed its dedication to expanding its presence in Nigeria by developing world-class terminal infrastructure and implementing technology-driven port operations, aligning with the $600M investment.

Furthermore, APM Terminals acknowledged the positive impact of the National Single Window initiative, noting its success in streamlining trade procedures, enhancing Customs coordination, and significantly reducing cargo clearance delays. This initiative is seen as a crucial step in facilitating smoother trade flows and improving the overall efficiency of Nigeria’s logistics chain.

In a separate engagement, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met with executives from Winme Group, advocating for deeper investment partnerships across key sectors including logistics, mining, shipping, and integrated infrastructure development. The President stressed the importance of coordinated investments that seamlessly connect ports, transport networks, processing facilities, and export infrastructure to accelerate industrial growth and elevate national competitiveness.

The Winme Group delegation expressed strong confidence in Nigeria’s long-term investment prospects, attributing this optimism to the current administration’s proactive economic reforms. This collective interest and commitment from major international players like APM Terminals and others signal a positive trajectory for Nigeria’s maritime sector and its broader economic development goals.

The acquisition of MERMEC key operations allows Siemens to create a more comprehensive platform focused on precise infrastructure monitoring and proactive maintenance. MERMEC’s sophisticated tools are designed for the accurate assessment of railway infrastructure, contributing to smarter, safer, and more efficient global rail networks. By combining MERMEC’s high-precision measurement capabilities with Siemens’ established signaling expertise, the company can now offer a more seamless integration of vehicle-based and infrastructure-based diagnostics. This synergy is crucial for early defect identification, preventing potential failures, and optimizing maintenance schedules, directly addressing the escalating demand for digital transformation within the railway sector.

A core benefit of this Siemens Mobility and MERMEC integration lies in the ability to advance predictive maintenance strategies. MERMEC’s high-speed measurement trains are capable of scanning railway lines to detect wear, cracks, and alignment issues with exceptional accuracy. The accompanying advanced software then analyzes this collected data to provide actionable insights, thereby significantly reducing operational downtime. This capability empowers railway operators to transition from reactive repair models to a more proactive, predictive approach. Such a shift not only leads to reduced costs but also critically enhances overall safety across rail networks.

The MERMEC key operations acquisition deal is expected to conclude by late 2026 and encompasses several vital business units within MERMEC, including signaling, electrification, telecommunications infrastructure, and measurement and diagnostic systems. This broad integration aims to solidify Siemens’ dominance across various facets of rail technology, merging established systems with future-ready innovations. MERMEC, founded in 1970, has cultivated a strong reputation for its high-precision testing trains and infrastructure assessment software, making it an invaluable asset for maintaining stringent safety standards on extensive rail networks. This Siemens MERMEC acquisition positions Siemens to lead in the next era of rail diagnostics, where automated, real-time analytics are poised to become the industry standard.

Siemens intends to expedite MERMEC’s development of new diagnostic tools following the MERMEC key operations acquisition, especially in the areas of digital twin technology and AI-driven analytics. This goal is in line with the broader industry transition to autonomous, fully integrated train systems.

Additionally, Siemens plans to use MERMEC’s experience to grow into high-speed rail corridors and urban rail transit, taking advantage of the expanding worldwide market for smart transportation networks. By taking this action, Siemens will strengthen its position as a leader in rail digitalisation and future-proof its products.

Technological Pillars Propelling eVTOL Aircraft Towards Reality

The journey from concept to commercial launch for eVTOL aircraft has been propelled by a convergence of several critical technological breakthroughs. Without these synergistic advancements, the vision of commercial urban air mobility would remain largely theoretical. These are not merely tweaks to existing designs but fundamental shifts in how aircraft are conceived, powered, and controlled.

The Crucial Role of Battery Innovation

At the heart of every viable electric aircraft lies its power source: the battery. For many years, battery technology was the primary bottleneck, limiting range, payload, and endurance. However, recent exponential improvements in battery technology have been nothing short of revolutionary. We are witnessing an unprecedented increase in energy density, allowing for lighter, more powerful batteries capable of delivering the sustained energy required for vertical takeoff, efficient cruise, and safe landing. Equally important are advancements in charging infrastructure and battery longevity, making the operational economics of these vehicles increasingly attractive. The ability to rapidly recharge and cycle batteries without significant degradation is pivotal for high-utilization air taxi market operations, ensuring these vehicles can serve a continuous stream of passengers throughout the day.

Advancements in Propulsion Systems and Materials

Beyond batteries, the development of distributed electric propulsion systems has been a game-changer. Unlike traditional aircraft with one or two large engines, eVTOLs often feature multiple smaller electric motors distributed across the airframe. This not only enhances redundancy and safety but also allows for precise thrust vectoring, enabling the vertical takeoff and landing capabilities that are essential for urban air transport. These electric motors are quieter, produce zero direct emissions, and are significantly simpler mechanically than their jet or piston counterparts. Coupled with breakthroughs in lightweight composite materials, these designs optimize aerodynamic efficiency and structural integrity, further reducing energy consumption and increasing operational flexibility. These innovations collectively underscore the deep wellspring of aviation innovation that is making eVTOLs a reality.

Navigating the Regulatory Skies: FAA Progress and Certification

While technological prowess is a necessary condition for the emergence of urban air mobility, it is not sufficient. The ultimate arbiter of its viability is regulatory acceptance and robust safety certification. Here, the progress made by regulatory bodies, most notably the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States, has been instrumental in bringing eVTOL aircrafts closer to commercial urban air mobility.

The Path to FAA Certification

The FAA faces the unique challenge of integrating an entirely new class of aircraft into an already complex airspace system while maintaining the highest standards of safety. Historically, aircraft certification processes are lengthy and meticulous, often taking a decade or more for new designs. For eVTOLs, the FAA has been proactive in developing new pathways, adapting existing regulations (such as Part 23 for normal category aircraft or Part 21 for certification procedures) and proposing new ones specifically tailored for these novel vehicles. This involves rigorous testing, demonstration of airworthiness, and proving operational safety for both the aircraft and their proposed operations. The pace of FAA progress has been a clear indicator of the seriousness with which this sector is being taken, paving a clearer route for manufacturers.

Global Harmonization and Market Readiness

The FAA’s work is paralleled by efforts from other international bodies, such as EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency), which has also been at the forefront of defining certification requirements for VTOL aircraft. This global collaboration is vital, as eVTOL aircraft are not just a domestic phenomenon. They represent a worldwide shift in urban air transport. The harmonization of standards, where possible, will facilitate cross-border operations and accelerate global market readiness. As manufacturers get clearer guidance on what it takes to achieve FAA certification, they can refine their designs and operational models with greater certainty, expediting the testing and validation phases crucial for a successful commercial launch. The establishment of these frameworks is arguably as important as any technological leap, translating potential into actual operational capability.

The Vision of Urban Air Mobility: Transforming Our Cities

The very essence of commercial urban air mobility lies in its promise to fundamentally redefine the fabric of city life. This isn’t just about faster travel. It’s about creating entirely new dimensions of connectivity and convenience that can alleviate some of the most pressing challenges facing modern metropolises.

Alleviating Congestion and Expanding Access

Imagine a future where a significant portion of short-to-medium distance urban journeys, currently hampered by gridlock, are conducted swiftly and silently above the fray. The air taxi market is poised to offer on-demand, point-to-point air travel that bypasses surface congestion, drastically reducing travel times between city centers, suburban hubs, and even regional airports. This isn’t just a luxury for the privileged few. As scale increases and technology matures, the aim is to make urban air transport an accessible option for a broader segment of the population, much like ride-sharing services today. This expanded access promises to unlock economic opportunities, connect underserved communities, and reduce the stresses associated with prolonged commutes.

Environmental and Economic Impact

Beyond convenience, the environmental benefits of electric aircraft are substantial. With zero direct operational emissions, eVTOLs offer a cleaner alternative to traditional ground transport, contributing to improved urban air quality and reduced carbon footprints. Furthermore, the development of the advanced air mobility sector is stimulating immense economic growth. Billions of dollars are being invested globally, fueling research and development, manufacturing, and job creation across a new ecosystem of services and infrastructure. From vertiport construction to air traffic management software, the eVTOL aircrafts as  a commercial urban air mobility are spawning entirely new industries and skill sets, promising a robust economic future. This unprecedented level of aviation innovation is creating a burgeoning market with profound implications for both environmental sustainability and economic prosperity.

Overcoming the Remaining Hurdles on the Path to Commercial Launch

While the momentum towards commercial launch is undeniable, the path forward is not without its challenges. Addressing these systematically will be critical to ensuring the safe, efficient, and publicly accepted integration of eVTOL aircraft into our daily lives.

Public Acceptance and Safety Perception

Perhaps the most significant hurdle is winning over public trust and ensuring widespread acceptance. People need to feel confident in the safety and reliability of these new forms of urban air transport. This will require an impeccable safety record from early operators, transparent communication about safety protocols, and a gradual, phased approach to deployment. Concerns about noise pollution, privacy, and visual clutter in the sky must also be proactively addressed through thoughtful urban planning and technological solutions. The industry must demonstrate that these vehicles are not only safe but also good neighbors.

Infrastructure and Air Traffic Management

The infrastructure required for widespread urban air mobility is another complex puzzle. This includes the development of ‘vertiports’ – dedicated takeoff and landing sites – complete with charging stations, passenger terminals, and maintenance facilities. Integrating these into existing urban environments, often with limited available space, demands innovative architectural and logistical solutions. Concurrently, new, sophisticated air traffic management systems are needed to safely manage the increased volume of diverse aerial vehicles in lower airspace. These systems will need to be highly automated, resilient, and capable of dynamic routing to avoid conflicts and optimize efficiency. The robust development of these ground-based and digital infrastructures will define the true market readiness for widespread adoption.

The Imminent Reality: Looking Towards the First Commercial Flights

The confluence of technological maturity, regulatory clarity, and significant investment signals that the first commercial eVTOL aircraft is not a distant dream, but an imminent reality. Leading companies across the globe are making substantial progress in flight testing, demonstrating performance, and working closely with regulatory bodies to achieve critical certifications. We are witnessing a phase where initial pilot programs and limited commercial services are expected to emerge in specific urban corridors within the next few years.

These initial deployments will serve as invaluable proving grounds, allowing the industry to collect real-world operational data, refine safety procedures, and adapt to public feedback. The gradual expansion of services, starting with specific routes and then broadening coverage, will build confidence and help scale the necessary infrastructure and air traffic management systems. The vision of a truly integrated urban air transport network, where eVTOL aircraft seamlessly connect various points within a city and its surrounding regions, is within reach. This transformative era promises not only to alleviate the burdens of ground travel but to inspire a new generation of aviation innovation, forever changing how we perceive and interact with our urban environments. The future of flight, long imagined, is now poised to lift off.

The current urban expansion and increasing population within Tashkent necessitate a substantial upgrade to the existing metro system. The approved vision for the Tashkent metro expansion sets ambitious targets, including a daily passenger traffic surge to 1.8 million individuals by the year 2030. To accommodate this projected growth, the network is slated for expansion to encompass 79 stations, with a total track length reaching 103 kilometers. Furthermore, a key objective involves reducing train intervals to a more efficient 1.5 to 3 minutes.

As part of the Tashkent metro expansion efforts, the period between 2026 and 2028 will see critical upgrades to the technical infrastructure and civil defense facilities. A paramount focus is placed on passenger safety, with a pilot project proposing the installation of glass platform screen doors at the “Shakhristan” station. This measure, aligned with international best practices, is anticipated to reduce accidents by an impressive 80-90% and also offers new avenues for advertising revenue.

The development of new metro lines remains a central priority. Preparatory work is currently underway for the feasibility and design documentation of the “Mingurik – Chilanzar market” route. The potential for a phased development of the “Mingurik – South Station” line, with a subsequent extension to the Chilanzar market, is also under active consideration as part of the broader Uzbekistan public transport strategy.

The renewal of rolling stock and the construction of new electric depots are also integral to the Tashkent metro expansion initiative. Between 2027 and 2030, decisions are scheduled regarding the procurement of new trains and the allocation of land for essential supporting infrastructure. A comprehensive development strategy for the Tashkent Metro, spanning from 2027 to 2035, was presented, envisioning a doubling of the network’s size, a 2.5-fold increase in passenger traffic, and the establishment of an environmentally sustainable and energy-efficient transport system that prioritizes enhanced comfort and safety standards.

Discussions also encompassed reforms to the tariff policy, drawing inspiration from international models such as distance-based fares, subscription options, and discounted rates for specific passenger groups.

President Mirziyoyev underscored the critical role of the metro as a vital component of transport infrastructure in a major metropolis. He emphasized the necessity of cohesive advancements in service quality, safety protocols, financial viability, and management systems. Following the presentation, the proposed plans received full approval, and relevant government bodies have been directed to commence their implementation.

According to presidential spokesman Mohamed El-Shennawy, El-Sisi commended the cooperation between Egypt and CMA CGM, describing the company as one of the world’s leading container shipping and maritime transport operators and highlighting its participation in multiple projects involving maritime and dry ports in Egypt. The president specifically pointed to the establishment and operation of the Red Sea Container Terminal at Ain Sokhna Port, Egypt’s first semi-automated container terminal, while reiterating Cairo’s interest in further expanding CMA CGM investment activity, particularly within the Suez Canal Economic Zone. El-Sisi said the government is working to attract additional foreign investment through new incentives while leveraging major improvements in maritime transport infrastructure and logistics services.

Saadé welcomed the meeting and reaffirmed CMA CGM’s commitment to strengthening its footprint in Egypt, according to the presidency. He cited Egypt’s strategic geographic position and the ongoing development of the country’s maritime transport and logistics capabilities as important factors supporting future CMA CGM investment opportunities. Discussions between the two sides also covered the effect of continuing regional tensions on international shipping routes. During the talks, El-Sisi said stakeholders in global maritime shipping should cooperate to address bottlenecks and reduce disruptions affecting international trade flows and supply chains, especially in the energy and food sectors. The meeting additionally explored ways to enhance maritime connectivity and economic integration between Egypt and African countries.

The Red Sea Container Terminal (RSCT) at Ain Sokhna Port remains one of Egypt’s flagship logistics and maritime infrastructure projects and forms a central part of efforts to transform the SCZone into a global shipping and trade hub. The terminal is being developed and operated by a consortium led by CMA CGM under a long-term concession agreement with Egyptian authorities. Located on the Red Sea near the southern entrance of the Suez Canal, the facility has been designed with semi-automated systems intended to improve cargo-handling efficiency, shorten turnaround times and enhance operational safety through advanced digital logistics systems, automated yard operations and modern container-handling equipment aligned with international standards. The project supports Egypt’s broader strategy to modernize ports, road infrastructure, rail connectivity and logistics corridors associated with the SCZone. Authorities expect the terminal to strengthen Egypt’s position within global supply chains by increasing container-handling capacity on the Red Sea and supporting transshipment operations through the Suez Canal corridor. In recent years, CMA CGM investment activity in Egypt has expanded across container terminals, dry ports, shipping services and logistics operations as international competition intensifies over strategic maritime trade routes and regional supply-chain infrastructure.

According to Kenya Railways, the project is being supported through financing from the World Bank, with a portion of the funds designated for consultancy services during the planning phase. “The government has applied for financing from the World Bank towards the Kenya Urban Mobility Improvement Project and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services,” Kenya Railways announced. The corporation further stated: “Consulting services include the development of a sustainable urban mobility plan for the Nairobi metropolitan area, encompassing the county governments of Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos, Kajiado and Murang’a.”

Officials indicated that the Nairobi railway expansion initiative will place significant emphasis on integrating different forms of transportation, including commuter rail systems and public bus networks, to improve movement across the capital region.

Kenya Railways disclosed that consultancy work linked to the multi-billion-shilling development is scheduled to begin on 27th 2026 and continue for one year and three months. Under the proposal, the selected firms will oversee urban mobility planning, environmental and social impact assessments, and strategies aimed at establishing seamless public transport connectivity throughout the targeted counties. The corporation said consulting companies participating in the Nairobi railway expansion program must demonstrate extensive expertise in urban transport planning, metropolitan mobility systems and large-scale infrastructure studies. Authorities also confirmed that construction activities are expected to roll out in phases, while feasibility studies, land acquisition procedures and environmental assessments are already in progress.

The launch of the project comes as Nairobi continues to face rapid urban population growth, worsening traffic congestion and increasing demand for reliable public transport services. The government is pursuing long-term mobility solutions designed to improve transportation efficiency across the metropolitan area, with the Nairobi railway expansion initiative forming a central part of that strategy. By integrating multiple transport systems and improving regional connectivity, the project is expected to support smoother movement within Nairobi and neighboring counties while strengthening urban mobility infrastructure for the future.

This pivotal agreement to develop Kenya’s logistics and port infrastructure was officially inked during the prestigious Africa Forward Summit. The ceremony was notably graced by the presence of the Presidents of the French and Kenyan Republics, Emmanuel Macron and William Ruto, underscoring the international significance of this partnership.

CMA CGM’s enduring presence in Kenya, dating back to 2005, has established it as a cornerstone of the nation’s logistics ecosystem. The company plays a crucial role in connecting the vital port of Mombasa and the emerging port of Lamu to global trade routes. Furthermore, CMA CGM actively supports and develops inland corridors that are essential for efficient trade across East Africa.

With over five decades of operational history on the African continent, the CMA CGM Group is steadfast in its long-term development strategy of Kenya’s logistics and port infrastructure. This strategy is anchored in several key pillars: securing and enhancing port and inland capacities, fostering the development of robust regional hubs, integrating comprehensive logistics solutions, and actively driving the decarbonization of transport chains. This commitment extends across the continent, aiming to elevate African port capacity and facilitate seamless supply chain growth.

Across Africa, CMA CGM is actively involved in the operation and expansion of nine container terminals. Through substantial investments, the Group is meticulously building a sophisticated network of high-performance maritime and land hubs. These hubs are engineered to ensure the security of trade flows, dramatically improve connectivity between various regions, and champion sustainable economic advancement throughout Africa. This strategic expansion of African port capacity is central to their vision.

In Cameroon, the Kribi Container Terminal, where CMA CGM holds a substantial stake alongside AGL, continues to solidify its position as a critical regional hub. Recent enhancements to the terminal yard have boosted its capacity, preparing it to handle increasing cargo volumes from across the sub-region. Plans for further development phases are under consideration to meet future demands, further supporting supply chain growth.

Nigeria’s Lekki Deep Sea Port, managed by CMA Terminals with the involvement of CHEC, represents a core element of the Group’s strategic vision for the Gulf of Guinea. With a rapidly expanding capacity and continuous investments in equipment and infrastructure, this terminal is emerging as a primary gateway for West Africa. Complementing this, the Group is spearheading a 100% electric river barge project designed to link the Lekki terminal with inland dry ports in Lagos. This forward-thinking initiative is set to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions, improve the efficiency of urban logistics, and enhance the overall attractiveness of the Lekki terminal by catering to the growing customer demand for low-carbon logistics solutions.

In the Republic of Congo, the development of a new deep-water terminal in Pointe-Noire, a collaborative venture with AD Ports Group, is set to establish a new Atlantic hub in Central Africa. This hub is envisioned to bolster transshipment activities and facilitate regional trade flows, contributing to broader African port capacity.

On the North African Mediterranean coast, CMA CGM is reinforcing its footprint through a series of strategic projects. These include the development of the Nador West Med terminal in Morocco, which aims to enhance the country’s integration into critical East-West trade routes. Additionally, the Group is expanding container capacity at the TMT terminal in Alexandria, Egypt, in partnership with EMP, to accommodate the surging volumes of import and export traffic, as well as transshipment operations. This proactive approach to managing maritime demand is key.

In Egypt’s North Red Sea region, CMA CGM’s participation in the Red Sea Container Terminal in Sokhna, alongside COSCO Ports and HIT, is instrumental in establishing a next-generation logistics hub. This integrated facility will seamlessly combine port operations with rail and inland connectivity, further streamlining freight management.

Beyond major port infrastructure, CMA CGM is actively fortifying the integration of comprehensive logistics solutions across Africa through its subsidiary, CEVA Logistics. This involves developing multimodal corridors that synergize maritime, rail, and road transport. The objective is to efficiently connect ports to inland markets and bolster regional supply chains, a critical component for any Kenya logistics boost.

The REDI sites program provides an industry-recognized certification framework, introducing a heightened level of rigor, consistency, and assurance for industrial site readiness. This development is crucial for businesses undertaking industrial development projects, where speed, certainty, and long-term infrastructure confidence are paramount. CN’s certified rail-ready sites program is designed to expedite the transition from site selection to operational status by pinpointing strategic, rail-served locations primed for investment and well-connected to markets across North America.

“Industrial development decisions require speed, certainty and long-term infrastructure confidence. CN’s certified rail-ready sites program helps businesses move more quickly from site selection to operations by identifying strategic, rail-served locations that are ready for investment and connected to markets across North America,” said Janet Drysdale, executive vice-president and chief commercial officer, CN.

“In today’s environment, readiness is a competitive advantage. CN is leaning into that by advancing sites through the REDI sites designation process, bringing greater rigour, consistency and credibility to how its portfolio is positioned. Companies want clear information and fewer surprises, and REDI’s independent review helps deliver that confidence,” said Didi Caldwell, president and chief executive officer, and global location strategies and REDI sites board chair.

CN’s certified rail-ready sites program meticulously identifies and prequalifies strategic industrial locations that offer direct access to CN’s vast transportation network. These sites undergo rigorous evaluation against key criteria, including zoning compliance, environmental assessments, utility availability, and existing transportation infrastructure. Such comprehensive vetting significantly reduces development risks and accelerates project timelines for both businesses and investors seeking industrial development opportunities. CN also collaborates with expert consulting and engineering firms to support the certification process and enhance the marketing of these prime locations.

The five new sites undergoing the certification process include:

• Michigan AMD, Genesee county, Michigan — 1,400 acres
• Buick City — Racer Trust, Burton, Mich. — 55 acres
• Carbondale site, Jackson county, Illinois — 100 acres
• Leatherman site, DeSoto county, Mississippi — 190 acres
• Willow Glen site, Iberville parish, La. — 500 acres

Alongside these new additions, six previously certified rail-served locations are:

• Enterprise Park at Fulton, Fulton, Ky. — 53 acres
• Helena industrial complex, Jackson county, Mississippi — 46 acres
• Mattoon Prairie industrial park, Coles county, Illinois — 420 acres
• MEC Smart Park, Cassopolis, Mich. — 70 acres
• NW TN regional, Obion county, Tennessee — 296 acres
• Rialto industrial park, Covington, Tenn. — 146 acres

These strategically positioned, rail-ready sites span key industrial regions across Canada and the United States, drawing strength from CN’s comprehensive network of transload and distribution facilities. This integrated approach ensures seamless connectivity for businesses, facilitating efficient access to markets throughout North America.

The approximately 180-kilometre-long Enterprise railway line connects the Irish capital Dublin with the Northern Irish capital Belfast. The vehicles currently in use will reach the end of their service life in the next few years, resulting in Ireland’s railway company Iarnród Éireann (IÉ) and Translink NI Railways (NIR) commissioning Stadler to build eight FLIRT IC trains. The new rolling stock is expected to enter service on the cross-border Intercity route from 2030.

In addition to the construction of the vehicles, the contract includes a maintenance contract for a period of 15 years. Stadler will provide maintenance support to ensure high availability and reliability of the fleet. The scope of services includes technical support, the supply of spare parts, engineering services, technical supervision of maintenance, and staff training.

One extra service per day in each direction

The new trains will reduce the journey time between the two capitals to less than two hours. Which will both increase competitiveness and enable IÉ and NIR to introduce an additional train per day in each direction. With the new trains, there will then be 16 trains running in both directions every day, enabling the two operators to meet the growing demand.

Passengers will enjoy greater comfort thanks to spacious seating areas, Wi-Fi on board, improved catering and a bright, open and modern design. The 200-metre-long trains have 407 seats. They are also completely barrier-free, with step-free access at all exterior passenger doors, reserved seats for people with reduced mobility and wheelchair-accessible toilets.

A multi‑talent for maximum flexibility

The new FLIRT trains are equipped with a diesel-electric and battery driven technology enabling both flexible and efficient seamless operation across different power and grid systems. In non-electrified Northern Ireland, the trains run in the Belfast area using the built-in battery. The diesel engine then takes the vehicles across the border into the Republic of Ireland to the city of Drogheda. From there, the trains are powered by overhead lines and continue to Dublin using electric drive. The switch between the different drive types is completely seamless and unnoticeable to passengers. This makes operation flexible, efficient and environmentally friendly.

The new trains are also designed to transition to dual electric and battery operation between the two countries. The vehicles will then run from Dublin to Drogheda using a 1500 V DC traction system and from Drogheda to Belfast using a 25 kV AC system. If necessary, the battery can still be used to bridge any non-electrified sections of the line. The FLIRT trains are thus paving the way for the two countries’ agreed net-zero strategy for the Dublin–Belfast line.

Daniel Baer, Executive Vice President Service of Stadler said: “With this order, Stadler trains will be operating on the island of Ireland for the first time. The Enterprise connection is a symbol of the close cooperation between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. We are proud to contribute to the modernisation and increased reliability of rail transport on this iconic route with our FLIRT trains and comprehensive service packages.”

Ralf Warwel, Sales Director United Kingdom and Ireland of Stadler said: “The new FLIRT trains stand for high levels of comfort and maximum flexibility in cross-border operations. They are perfectly tailored to the specific requirements of the Enterprise line. We would like to thank Iarnród Éireann and Translink NI Railways for their trust and look forward to working closely together on this pioneering project.”

Chris Conway, Group Chief Executive of Translink said: “Today is about turning long term ambition into delivery. We would like to thank our funders for this investment which will transform the Enterprise experience, delivering a modern, high quality journey that puts accessibility, comfort and passengers at the heart of this vital cross border service. We look forward to working closely with Stadler to deliver this transformative project.”

Mary Considine, Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann said: “Iarnród Éireann and Translink are excited to be working with Stadler to be delivering a new chapter for Enterprise. We welcome Stadler Supported by our funders, the new Stadler Enterprise fleet will allow ourselves and Translink to deliver a true flagship service for current and future customers, a seamless cross-border operation delivering the highest standards of customer service, and a new era in accessibility and sustainability for the Dublin / Belfast rail line.”

Project supported by EU funding

This major £548m / €698m cross border investment for new fleet and associated infrastructure, is jointly funded by the Northern Ireland Executive, Department for Infrastructure and the Government of Ireland, Department of Transport, and supported with €165m through PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). PEACEPLUS is co-funded by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive.

With the conclusion of the 15-year maintenance contract, Stadler is further strengthening its activities across the UK and Ireland. The Irish Enterprise project builds on Stadler’s established contracts across England, Wales and Scotland. The new trains will join the existing fleet of 275 trains supported by 432 employees in the UK. With this contract, Stadler continues its growth in the region.

During the visit, Minister Kim held discussions with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick regarding South Korea’s progress after the enactment of the Special Act on Investment in the U.S. The two sides also reviewed the overall direction of future strategic investment initiatives. Areas identified as mutual priorities included shipbuilding and energy.

The ministry and the U.S. Department of Commerce also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) covering the ‘Korea-U.S. Shipbuilding Partnership Initiative.’ Under the agreement, the two governments will establish and operate the ‘Korea-U.S. Shipbuilding Cooperation Center’ in Washington, D.C., within 2026. The initiative was the first visible outcome since the official launch of the MASGA Project. The center will focus on developing a local cooperative network connecting the shipbuilding industries of both countries while encouraging joint research and development (R&D) activities and direct investment projects involving private-sector companies. In addition, the facility will support productivity enhancement initiatives at U.S. shipyards and oversee workforce training programs locally. The initiative will continue through 2028 under the leadership of the Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering Research Institute, with participation from the Korea OffShore & Shipbuilding Association. The allocated budget for 2026 stands at 6.6 billion Korean won.

As part of the Washington meetings, Minister Kim also met Russell Vought, Director of the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), who is responsible for overseeing the U.S. government budget process. During the talks, Kim requested active budgetary support for the MASGA Project.