Planning

NEX26/18 Battery Locomotives Refurbishment

TYNE AND WEAR PASSENGER TRANSPORT EXECUTIVE T/A NEXUS

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

24 Apr 2026 at 14:49

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive, trading as Nexus, is planning a tender for the refurbishment of three battery locomotives specific to the Nexus Metro network located in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. This procurement falls within the “Railway and tramway locomotives and rolling stock and associated parts” industry category, with an estimated value ranging from £1,000,000 to £2,000,000. The process is currently in the planning stage. A preliminary market engagement has been scheduled, providing interested suppliers the opportunity to undertake site visits during the week commencing 1st June 2026 at Nexus's maintenance facility. Suppliers are required to register interest by 22nd May 2026, and feedback is invited by 10th July 2026 to refine the scope before formal procurement anticipated to commence in December 2026.

This tender represents a significant opportunity for businesses with expertise in battery locomotive design and refurbishment, particularly those equipped to modernise traction and solid-state power systems, overhaul mechanical components, and upgrade electronic control systems. Businesses involved in construction, electrical systems, and rail infrastructure, and capable of handling the associated works will find this tender beneficial for growth. The engagement phase allows potential bidders to understand logistics and technical requirements, facilitating effective participation when the procurement phase opens. Engaging insights from this stage will be crucial for firms aiming to address new challenges and contribute innovative solutions within the rail utilities sector.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

NEX26/18 Battery Locomotives Refurbishment

Notice Description

Nexus will be tendering for the detailed design and associated works to refurbish three battery locomotives, bespoke to the Nexus Metro network, which have become unreliable and not fit for purpose. The locomotives were originally supplied by Hunslet-GMT in the early 1990's and are a key asset in the emergency recovery of Nexus rolling stock and movement of the rail head treatment train across the Metro railway. Currently network operates from a 1500V DC overhead line system, the battery locos are approved to operate on Network Rail assets, although is not necessarily required to maintain this approval. The refurbishment will encompass: Traction and Solid-State Power Systems Modernisation of the traction equipment (motor alternator and motor generator set) using solid-state power technology and power electronics. Mechanical Systems & Running Gear Overhaul of structural components, suspension, wheelsets, and key mechanical assemblies. Electrical & Control Systems Renewal of high voltage and auxiliary electrical systems upgraded control equipment, and readiness for future signalling integration. Braking Systems Refurbishment and commissioning of brake discs and brake system. Cab and Operator Environment Improvements to the cab environment (sealing, comfort, ergonomics) and general enhancements Potential suppliers will be given an opportunity to view the vehicles as part of the market engagement exercise, prior to a formal procurement. Design Requirements The design requirements for the battery locomotives are: - Maximum speed 55kph - Pantograph height above rail when lowered - 3555mm - Pantograph height when fully raised - 5666mm - Vehicle width - 2600mm - Wheel diameter - 838mm - Cab height above rail - 3160mm - Wheelbase - 2500mm - Length over buffers - 7500mm - Length over extended coupler - 9000mm - Tare / gross weight - 26.25t - Couplers are Bergische Stahl Industrie (BSI) with a standard screw coupling - Wheel arrangement is 0-4-0 - Continuous power rating of 180hp - High voltage circuit - supply from 1500V DC overhead line system - Indusi track brake equipment - Lead Acid traction battery - 540V, 116kWh at 5-hour discharge - Low voltage circuits, - 110V, 24V - Traction motor (one) - 180hp, 540V DC force ventilated. Estimated value: PS1,000,000 - PS2,000,000

Planning Information

Nexus is undertaking Pre Market Engagement for the design and refurbishment of the battery locomotives Nexus invites interested suppliers to view the vehicles at their maintenance facility in Newcastle Upon Tyne. Following these visits, Nexus would like to discuss with suppliers the content and feasibility of the proposed scope. Before these sessions, Nexus will circulate a questionnaire outlining the key points for discussion, to be returned following the viewing of the vehicles. It is envisaged that Nexus will share with suppliers further technical details of the vehicles, condition reports and approval procedures to best inform these discussions. Visits to Nexus' maintenance facility will take place over week commencing the 1st of June 2026. It is envisaged there will be two x three-hour slots available per day. Suppliers must register their interest in the visits via email to tenders@nexus.org.uk by no later than 22 May 2026. Dates / times will then be allocated to interested suppliers dependent on take-up. The above-mentioned questionnaire will be provided alongside confirmation of suppliers' date/time for the visit. This Preliminary Market Engagement will allow Nexus to: - Understand the market's appetite and capability to design and refurbish the three battery locomotives. - Explore key delivery considerations - Understand risks and issues not previously considered - Gather feedback from potential suppliers in advance of any formal procurement.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-068af2
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/037715-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Works
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

34 - Transport equipment and auxiliary products to transportation

45 - Construction work

CPV Codes

34600000 - Railway and tramway locomotives and rolling stock and associated parts

45000000 - Construction work

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
24 Apr 20262 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
8 Sep 20264 months to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
4 Dec 2026 - 1 Sep 2028 1-2 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
TYNE AND WEAR PASSENGER TRANSPORT EXECUTIVE T/A NEXUS
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
Postcode
NE4 5DE
Post Town
Newcastle upon Tyne
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLC North East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLC4 Northumberland, Durham and Tyne & Wear
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLC43 Tyneside
Delivery Location
TLC2 Northumberland, and Tyne and Wear
Local Authority
Newcastle upon Tyne
Electoral Ward
Arthur's Hill
Westminster Constituency
Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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