CP Orders 153 Alstom Adessia Stream Trains for €1.03 Billion Portugal

LISBON, PORTUGAL – The national rail operator Comboios de Portugal (CP) has confirmed an order for 36 additional Adessia Stream trains from manufacturer Alstom. This action exercises an option from an existing contract, increasing the total number of new trains on order to 153. The entire procurement is valued at EUR 1.03 billion, with the first units scheduled to enter service in 2029.

What Does This Contract Cover?

The agreement encompasses the supply of 153 new electric multiple units for Portugal’s regional and suburban rail services. As part of the industrial commitment, Alstom will construct a new 20,000-square-meter production facility in Matosinhos, near Porto, in partnership with construction firm DST. This new factory is projected to create 300 direct jobs, with Alstom committing to reserving approximately 15% of these positions for young unemployed people, the long-term unemployed, and individuals with disabilities.

Key Contract Data

How Does This Compare to Similar Contracts?

Exercising contract options is a standard commercial strategy in capital-intensive transport sectors to secure future capacity and pricing. In a similar move to manage long-term fleet requirements, LNG carrier operator Flex LNG recently exercised options to extend contracts for two vessels, adding 730 days to each charter and increasing its firm contract backlog to 53 years (Source: MarineLink, 2024). While the asset class is different, the strategy of locking in assets to meet anticipated future demand is parallel to CP’s decision. The per-unit cost of the Adessia Stream trains was not disclosed in the announcement.

Editor’s Analysis

CP’s fleet modernization is a critical enabling investment for Portugal’s larger strategic infrastructure goals, particularly its significant planned investments in high-speed rail. By enhancing the capacity and reliability of feeder regional and suburban lines, the operator is preparing the national network for the increased passenger volumes that new high-speed corridors will generate. This public investment is already stimulating private sector activity, as seen in Room00’s planned €330-420 million expansion to add hotel capacity in Portugal, explicitly targeting growth in tourism and travel (Source: Hotel News Resource, 2024).

FAQ

Q: What is the total value and size of Alstom’s contract with CP?
A: The total contract is for 153 Adessia Stream trains and is valued at EUR 1.03 billion. This results from an initial order for 117 units and a recently exercised option for 36 more.

Q: When will the new Alstom trains begin service in Portugal?
A: The first of the new trains are scheduled to enter passenger service in 2029. A detailed delivery schedule for the full 153-train fleet has not been made public.

Q: Will the new trains be built in Portugal?
A: Yes, as part of the agreement, Alstom will construct a new production facility in Matosinhos (Porto region). This factory will create around 300 jobs and handle manufacturing for the order.