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Dublin, Ireland — Independent British railway wagon manufacturer WH Davis has been awarded a €44 million export contract to supply 150 freight wagons to Iarnród Éireann, the operator of Ireland’s national rail network. The deal marks a significant milestone in Ireland’s rail freight expansion strategy and represents WH Davis’s return to international exports after two decades.
The contract is the first order under a 10-year framework agreement between WH Davis and Iarnród Éireann, which could see the total number of wagons supplied rise to 400, subject to future funding and approvals.
Contract Details and Production Timeline
- Initial Order: 150 freight wagons valued at €44 million
- Delivery Schedule: Production will begin at WH Davis’s Shirebrook facility in Nottinghamshire, UK, with deliveries expected to commence in summer 2026. All wagons are projected to be in service by the end of 2027.
- Workforce Expansion: The contract will facilitate a 25% increase in WH Davis’s workforce, growing from 80 to 100 employees.
Technical Specifications and Performance Enhancements
The new wagons are designed to replace Iarnród Éireann’s aging fleet, which is approximately 50 years old. Key improvements include:
- Increased Capacity: Each wagon will offer a payload capacity of 62–65 tonnes, representing a 33% increase over the current fleet.
- Higher Speed: Maximum operational speed will rise from 80 km/h to 110 km/h.
- Design Weight: Estimated at 17–20 tonnes per wagon
These enhancements are expected to improve service quality, competitiveness, and operational efficiency across Ireland’s freight network.
Strategic and Environmental Impact
The new fleet supports Ireland’s national climate action targets by promoting sustainable transport alternatives. Rail freight can reduce carbon emissions by up to 70% compared to road transport, making it a key component of Ireland’s efforts to decarbonize logistics.
The wagons will also support the reopening of the rail freight connection to Foynes Port, scheduled for spring 2026, expanding transport options for Irish businesses.
Financial Backing and Export Support
The deal was made possible through the UK Export Finance (UKEF) Bond Support Scheme, which provided an 80% guarantee for the required contract bond. This enabled WH Davis’s banking partner, Barclays, to issue capital for production and delivery.
Andy Houghton, Managing Director of WH Davis, described the contract as a “landmark export deal” and a reaffirmation of the strength of UK manufacturing on the global stage.
Future Outlook
With the framework agreement in place, WH Davis is preparing for potential future orders that could expand the fleet to 400 wagons. If fully realized, this would enable over 100 new freight services weekly across Ireland’s rail network.
The partnership between WH Davis and Iarnród Éireann is expected to play a pivotal role in modernizing Ireland’s freight infrastructure and supporting the country’s transition to a more sustainable transport system.
