Arctic Test Arena: Norway-Sweden Rail Tech Boost for Heavy Freight

Introduction

The Norwegian Railway Directorate (Jernbanedirektoratet) and its Swedish counterpart have initiated the Arctic Test Arena, a collaborative research initiative. This project aims to develop railway technologies on the Ofotbanen in Norway and Malmbanan in Sweden, which are known for their challenging weather conditions and heavy freight operations.

Collaboration and Objectives

The Arctic Test Arena is a joint effort involving authorities, research institutions, and industry partners from Norway and Sweden. Key participants include Bane NOR, Trafikverket, SINTEF Narvik, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, and Luleå University of Technology through the Luleå Railway Research Centre (JVTC). Coordinated by the Norwegian Railway Directorate, the initiative seeks to test and refine advanced railway technologies under demanding climatic conditions.

Testing Grounds and Operational Focus

The test program utilizes two strategic railway lines: Ofotbanen in Norway and Malmbanan in Sweden. These lines are ideal for research due to their extreme weather and heavy freight operations, including axle loads of up to 32.5 tonnes, exceeding the standard 22.5-tonne limit on most Norwegian lines. Marit Rønning, Acting Director General of Jernbanedirektoratet, noted that the challenging conditions provide a unique testing environment. Testing on these lines offers advantages, with one year of operation equating to up to ten years of testing in southern Europe. The initiative focuses on improving operational stability and maintenance efficiency.

Opening Event and Demonstration

The official opening of the Arctic Test Arena took place in Narvik on 4–5 November. The event included a demonstration train journey from Narvik to Abisko on 4 November, carrying media representatives and members of the Norwegian–Swedish partnership. The following day featured a seminar and a laboratory visit at UiT The Arctic University of Norway, where experts shared insights from the 2023 derailment incident. One of the key projects demonstrated was the sensor-based monitoring system on the Søsterbekk Bridge, part of a Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking initiative.

Ongoing Test Projects and Strategic Significance

Ongoing projects within the Arctic Test Arena encompass various areas, including bridge monitoring with sensors, digital condition assessment, wheel profile detection, ground movement detection, optical fiber monitoring, and advanced measurement of track geometry. These tests involve rails and sleepers under heavy loads, providing insights into material endurance and infrastructure resilience. The railway line, which spans 473 kilometers between Narvik and Luleå, serves as a vital transport artery for Europe’s raw materials.

Line Details and Strategic Importance

Ofotbanen, Norway’s northernmost railway line, extends 43 kilometers from Narvik to the Swedish border, where it connects with Malmbanan. This line connects Norway’s Atlantic port with Sweden’s mining centers. Malmbanan, part of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), links the mining regions of Kiruna and Gällivare with the ports of Narvik and Luleå, spanning 473 km. It supports Europe’s heaviest freight operations, with trains weighing up to 8,600 tonnes. The Ofotbanen–Malmbanan corridor is a key freight railway system.

Conclusion

The Arctic Test Arena, a collaborative project between Norway and Sweden, focuses on testing and developing railway technologies under harsh Arctic conditions. The initiative uses the Ofotbanen and Malmbanan lines to enhance operational stability and maintenance efficiency, with a specific focus on heavy freight operations. The project includes various tests and demonstrations, with the goal of improving railway operations across northern Europe.

Company Summary

Bane NOR: A key participant in the Arctic Test Arena, involved in the testing and development of railway technologies.

Jernbanedirektoratet: The Norwegian Railway Directorate, coordinating the Arctic Test Arena initiative.

Luleå Railway Research Centre (JVTC): Part of Luleå University of Technology, involved in the Arctic Test Arena.

SINTEF Narvik: A research institution participating in the Arctic Test Arena.

Trafikverket: A participant in the Arctic Test Arena.

UiT The Arctic University of Norway: An institution involved in the Arctic Test Arena, hosting a seminar and laboratory visit.

Technology

Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking: An initiative involved in the project, specifically mentioned in the context of the Søsterbekk Bridge monitoring system.