Deutsche Bahn (DB) has initiated the construction of a 400 million EUR ICE maintenance plant in Dortmund-Hafen, set to open in 2027.
The facility will be one of Europe’s most modern and climate-friendly railway plants. Its operation will also create up to 500 jobs, including apprenticeship positions.
The plant will be located on the site of the former Dortmund freight station. Its construction forms part of DB’s S3 renovation programme, which aims to expand maintenance capacity for a growing ICE fleet, projected to increase from 410 to 450 trains by the end of the decade.
Dr. Michael Peterson, DB Board Member for Long-Distance Passenger Transport said:The new plant is literally being built at ICE speed. This shows once again how, with the cooperation of all those involved, we can quickly get even large projects on track. We have set ourselves ambitious goals at Deutsche Bahn by the end of 2027 to make the railway more reliable again. The new ICE plant is part of this. This is a good day for Dortmund and all our passengers.
Key features of the new site will include a four-track, 480-metre workshop capable of servicing up to 17 ICE trains daily, focusing on ICE 4, ICE 3, and ICE 3neo models.
The facility will be 100% climate-neutral, featuring a geothermal plant generating 5,000 MWh annually, an 8,500 m² photovoltaic system meeting over half of its energy needs, and 28,000 m² of green roofing.
Norbert Schilff, Mayor of Dortmund said:For me, as a long-time employee of Deutsche Bahn and mayor of Dortmund, it is a special moment to see this pioneering project in my hometown. The new ICE plant creates jobs, strengthens the economy and represents the innovative strength of our city - a milestone that we can be proud of.
