• ARSENALE Express S.p.A. and Knorr-Bremse have signed a supply agreement for rail vehicle systems destined for “La Dolce Vita” luxury trains run by Orient Express
• Two trains, each comprising 11 cars, will be used for luxurious, “slow travel” journeys to many of Italy’s most iconic regions and beauty spots
• Order volume for Knorr-Bremse is in the lower double-digit million-euro range

Express S.p.A. in Rome has commissioned Knorr-Bremse to equip two Orient Express “La Dolce Vita” trains. Starting in the third quarter of 2023, Knorr-Bremse will supply state-of-the-art braking technology as well as entrance, climate control and sanitary systems, and thereby help enable a safe, sustainable and comfortable travel experience.

For Harald Schneider, Member of the Management Board of Knorr-Bremse Rail Vehicle Systems and responsible for Knorr-Bremse Italy, this is an exceptional project: “In the luxury rail segment, tradition and modernity are coming together in a unique way. Knorr-Bremse is helping to achieve this by providing a range of top-quality, environmentally friendly technologies. We are delighted that ARSENALE Express S.p.A. is relying on our innovations and systems expertise to equip its premium fleet.”

Simone Mantero, Managing Director of Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems Italy, adds: “We’re proud that ARSENALE Express S.p.A. has identified Knorr-Bremse as a trusted partner for this project, which truly exemplifies the excellence of Made in Italy. We’re looking forward to supporting passengers with our various system solutions as they enjoy a unique and exclusive travel experience to a broad range of iconic destinations across Italy.”

Safe, comfortable train travel with multiple Knorr-Bremse subsystems on board

To travel north to south down Italy, one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, the Orient Express “La Dolce Vita” trains will be thoroughly modernized by ARSENALE Express S.p.A. and are due to enter service in mid-2024. Delivering a range of innovative systems solutions, Knorr-Bremse is contributing to a safe, efficient and comfortable journey.

For example, the climate control systems will use intelligent technology to optimally distribute cooling power to passenger areas. The systems will use carbon dioxide (CO2) as a sustainable refrigerant, and will be able to regulate each car’s temperature and ventilation manually or automatically. The compact sanitary systems are designed to be exceptionally eco-friendly and low-maintenance thanks to a closed water circuit and early fault detection. Customized entrance systems will highlight the unique experience of traveling aboard “La Dolce Vita” trains. Among other things, they will contribute to maximizing space and increasing passenger flow in the magnificent lounge car.

Just recently, Knorr-Bremse won a major order for multiple train subsystems from Hitachi Rail in Italy, among them coupling systems for passenger trains destined for the Milan region. The ARSENALE Express S.p.A. order represents yet another prestigious project for a Knorr-Bremse customer in Italy. With its dynamic development and potential for future business, Italy is one of Europe’s most important and promising rail markets for Knorr-Bremse.