Network Rail and the Sweden Transport Administration Trafikverket, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to facilitate collaboration in railway research, technical development and innovation.
Among the topics chosen for initial discussion includes rural lines, bridge dynamics, net zero infrastructure and non-destructive testing and maintenance.
Robert Ampomah, Chief Technology Officer at Network Rail, said: “Network Rail and Trafikverket have a long history of collaboration, and this is an important milestone in ensuring our relationship remains as strong as ever for the future.
“Formalising a bilateral partnership means that we can focus on the research, development and innovation priorities specific to our two countries, ranging from meeting the challenges of an increasingly urban population to the various issues arising from climate change, and to capitalise on the world-class expertise and resources within Trafikverket to help us deliver better and more punctual services for our passengers and those that want to move freight goods in a sustainable way.
“This MOU marks the start of a new chapter in the collaboration between our two organisations.”
Following the signing of the MOU at the British Ambassador’s Residence in Stockholm, there is now planned to be a series of workshops held over the summer to identify potential project remits for which use cases exist in both the UK and Sweden, and where Network Rail and Trafikverket will provide matched funding.
Susanne Skovgaard, Director of Strategic Development, Trafikverket, said: “Getting this MOU in place is a very exciting moment for Trafikverket. The prospect of bilateral collaboration with Network Rail is an important opportunity in the context of European research and development, and we are particularly keen to capitalise on the world-class facilities, knowledge and processes between our two organisations.
“Meeting the challenges of the 21st Century increasingly requires an international approach, and we are thrilled to be starting that journey with our partners at Network Rail.”
This announcement builds on existing MOUs Network Rail has signed with SBB (Switzerland), ProRail (Netherlands), and Bane NOR (Norway).