Oslo, Norway | October 14, 2025
Norwegian public transport operator Sporveien AS has awarded a €2.6 million contract to SAFT Aktiebolag, a Swedish battery manufacturer, for the retrofit and replacement of traction batteries across the Oslo Metro fleet.
The deal, announced in the Official Gazette S 195/2025, covers the supply and installation of 125 battery units-including 115 replacements and 10 reserve units-designed to extend the operational life and reliability of the city’s metro rolling stock. The contract was officially signed on September 30, 2025, following a competitive negotiation procedure under EU Directive 2014/25/EU.
Project Overview and Contract Scope
Under the contract, Sporveien AS will replace aging traction batteries that power essential onboard systems in its metro trains. These systems maintain energy supply for control units, safety mechanisms, and auxiliary functions when external power is unavailable.
The new battery systems, to be supplied by SAFT AB, will be delivered to Sporveien’s workshop at Vårveien 55 in Oslo, where installation and recycling of existing units will take place. The contract includes supply, installation, maintenance, and recycling services, reflecting Sporveien’s focus on sustainability and lifecycle efficiency.
The agreement has an eight-year duration and a total estimated value of 30 million NOK (approximately €2.6 million).
Award Criteria and Evaluation
The tender was conducted through a restricted competitive procedure with negotiation, allowing only prequalified suppliers to submit bids. Evaluation was based on a weighted scoring model emphasizing:
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Price (40%)
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Quality of technical solution (30%)
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Climate and environmental impact (30%)
SAFT AB was the sole bidder meeting the technical and environmental criteria, securing the award after evaluation of performance reliability, energy efficiency, and sustainability measures.
Entities Involved
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Buyer: Sporveien AS (Strategic Purchasing Department), Oslo
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Contact: Morten Riise | sporveien.com
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Winning Supplier: SAFT Aktiebolag, Sweden
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Address: Box 709, Oskarshamn, Sweden
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Contact: Simon Mikkelsen | saft.com
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Review Organization: Oslo District Court (Oslo tingrett)
Strategic and Environmental Significance
This battery retrofit project represents an important step in modernizing Oslo’s metro system, improving energy resilience and operational sustainability. The use of advanced lithium-based traction batteries from SAFT will ensure higher efficiency, reduced maintenance downtime, and lower environmental impact through optimized recycling and reduced waste generation.
Sporveien’s focus on environmentally responsible procurement aligns with Norway’s national transport and climate goals, including commitments under the National Transport Plan 2025-2036. The inclusion of stringent climate and environmental criteria in the tender underscores the operator’s emphasis on green mobility innovation.
About SAFT Aktiebolag
Headquartered in Oskarshamn, Sweden, SAFT AB is a global leader in industrial battery manufacturing, providing high-performance energy storage solutions for rail, aviation, defense, and renewable sectors. The company is known for its reliable nickel and lithium-based technologies, serving transport systems in Europe and beyond.
Looking Ahead
The delivery and installation of the new traction batteries are expected to commence in late 2025, with full retrofit completion scheduled over the following year. The upgrade is anticipated to enhance reliability, improve passenger safety, and extend the service life of Sporveien’s metro fleet, ensuring Oslo’s urban transport system continues to meet modern efficiency and environmental standards.
Tags:
#Norway, #Oslo, #Sporveien AS, #SAFT Aktiebolag, #metro trains, #traction batteries, #sustainable transport, #public procurement, #contract award, #tender results, #green mobility, #EU Directive 2014/25/EU, #industrial batteries, #rail infrastructure, #Nordic energy technology
