Source: de.wikipedia.org
Vehicle type: Diesel multiple unit - DMU
Registration country: Denmark
Railway companies: DSB - Danske Statsbaner
2005
In mid-2008, DSB sets a deadline for AnsaldoBreda, demanding that at least 14x trains meet the requirements for unrestricted approval by May 2009, with at least one unit fully compliant with contractual conditions. Failure to meet this demand would lead DSB to withdraw from the €670 million contract. By the end of 2008, five IC4 units are delivered to DSB after testing in Aarhus, marking the commencement of passenger services on December 1st, 2008. AnsaldoBreda manages to deliver the required 14x units by May 2009, although these units are sent back to Italy for mechanical modifications and software updates.
On May 20th, 2009, DSB and AnsaldoBreda reach an agreement for the delivery of 83x IC4 units and 23x IC2 units by 2012, alongside a compensation payment from AnsaldoBreda for delays. The compensation is earmarked for improvements and operational adjustments due to the delay of over five years in delivery. Manufacturing shifts from Pistoia to Milan during this period, and by the second half of 2009, further IC4 units continue to be delivered with the aim of completing the order by autumn 2012.
Each unit consists of four car bodies: two motor cars (MG), a center car (FG) and a low-floor central car (FH).
In 2010, DSB faces operational challenges with the IC4 units, leading to the temporary reliance on environmentally harmful Class ME diesel locomotives in the Copenhagen area. To mitigate emissions, DSB retrofits 20x locomotives with emissions kits that significantly reduce nitrogen oxides and particulate matter.
On May 4th, 2011, DSB suspends further deliveries of IC4 units due to ongoing quality issues, which affect the operational reliability of the units. By November 15th, 2011, all IC4 series units are temporarily taken out of service following operational failures related to braking systems.
After further testing, DSB resumes passenger operations with IC4 units between Aarhus and Esbjerg on July 11th, 2012, and subsequently extends service to Aalborg. However, by August 23rd, 2016, all IC2 and some IC4 units are retired from service due to poor operational reliability, resulting in significant financial write-downs. Despite these challenges, plans for new electric locomotives are developed to reduce dependence on the unreliable units.
From March 7th, 2017, DSB suspends all operations with the IC4 units after a hydraulic pump failure incident. Following a thorough review, DSB plans a phased reintroduction of services starting March 27th, 2017, with enhanced monitoring of the modified hydraulic systems. The initial restart focuses on regional services between Aarhus and Fredericia.
As of 2022, reports indicate that DSB has sold all remaining 74x IC4 units to an international buyer. Additionally, there is an anecdote regarding a modified IC4 unit gifted by Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi to Libyan leader Muammar al-Gaddafi, intended as a luxury vehicle, although it never sees operational service due to the limited rail infrastructure in Libya.
Sources: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/DSB_MG
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Latest update on the 25th of December 2024 at 21:19
Contributor(s): Tudor C.
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