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PROCUREMENT OPPORTUNITY

NEX26/18 Battery Locomotives Refurbishment

Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive T/A Nexus · Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender

Tender information last checkedLast checked 2 Oct 2026, 16:27.

Opportunity overview

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: £1,000,000 - £2,000,000

Classification

  • CPV34600000 — Railway and tramway locomotives and rolling stock and associated parts
  • CPV45000000 — Construction work

Lots

  • Lot 1Value not stated

Documents and notices

Published notice details

Additional information from the published procurement release. Fields appear only when supplied by the source; check the original notice and tender documents before acting.

Scope, procedure and submissions

Id
ocds-h6vhtk-068af2
Main Procurement Category
works
Above Threshold
No
Status
planning

Legal basis

Id
2023/54
Scheme
UKPGA

Special regime

utilities

Communication

Future Notice Date
8 Sept 2026, 23:59

Lots and requirements

Entry 1
Id
1
Status
planning

Contract period

Starts
4 Dec 2026, 00:00
Ends
1 Sept 2028, 23:59

Items and delivery

Item 1
Id
1
Related Lot
1

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
CPV
Id
34600000
Description
Railway and tramway locomotives and rolling stock and associated parts
Entry 2
Scheme
CPV
Id
45000000
Description
Construction work

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UKC2
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom

Planning and budget

Milestones

Entry 1
Id
engagement
Type
engagement
Description
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.
Due
10 Jul 2026, 23:59
Status
scheduled

Documents

Entry 1
Id
037715-2026
Document Type
marketEngagementNotice
Notice Type
UK2
Description
Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender
Published
24 Apr 2026, 15:49
Format
text/html

Buyer, suppliers and contacts

Organisation 1
Name
Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive T/A Nexus
Id
GB-PPON-PNTB-4383-VMJH

Identifier

Scheme
GB-PPON
Id
PNTB-4383-VMJH

Address

Street Address
The Spark, Newcastle Helix, St James Boulevard
Locality
Newcastle upon Tyne
Postal Code
NE4 5DE
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Region
UKC22

Contact

Roles

buyer

Details

Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
UK_CA_TYPE
Id
publicUndertaking
Description
Public undertaking

Recorded locations

  • Buyer location · Newcastle upon Tyne · UKC22 · NE4 5DE · United Kingdom
  • Delivery location · UKC2 · United Kingdom

Notice and amendment history

1 published notice version reviewed by ProcuraAxis.

1 VERSION
  1. 037715-2026Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender ·