Loram has been awarded a three-year extension to its contract to provide maintenance support to Network Rail’s Infrastructure Monitoring (IM) Fleet.
The 65 dedicated vehicles that make up the current IM Fleet undertake measurement and analysis of track and structures across Britain’s railway, allowing route-based asset management teams to plan maintenance interventions and renewals programmes.
The current IM Fleet makes use of re-purposed passenger vehicles, equipped with sophisticated measurement and monitoring equipment supplied by companies like Omnicom Balfour Beatty, Sperry and One Big Circle.
The extension to Loram’s existing contract, which will now end in 2027, will also help with NR’s Asset Information Systems wider ambition to deliver the next generation of Infrastructure Monitoring services, as the current fleet reaches the end of its working life. Under the ‘IM Programme’ Network Rail is already engaging with a range of suppliers, including Loram, to determine how the supply chain can best support the future needs of its Regions and Routes by increasing the delivery of intelligent data on infrastructure condition.
Andrew Watson, director of business development at Loram UK, said: “I am delighted that we can continue to support today’s IM Fleet as we work with other members of the supply chain to see how we can cost-effectively deliver the next generation of infrastructure monitoring.
“Today’s announcement reflects the skills and expertise of Loram’s engineers and support teams who maintain this diverse and aging fleet. It also shows that Loram is committed to working closely with its customers and supporting their vision for the future of our railway.”
The original contract with Network Rail commenced in April 2022 and covered an initial period of two years. Loram’s work on the IM Fleet supports 40 existing jobs at the Derby based business.
Image credit: Loram
