Germany’s ICE network continues to grow in scope and importance, and so does the need for modern, high-capacity maintenance facilities. One of the latest additions is the new ICE-Werk Dortmund-Hafen, a state-of-the-art depot designed to keep Deutsche Bahn’s high-speed trains reliably in service. The facility combines advanced building and rail infrastructure with specialised systems for water supply, wastewater removal and interior cleaning – a critical but often overlooked aspect of modern train maintenance.
At the heart of these servicing systems is the vacuum technology supplied by Roediger Vacuum GmbH. The new depot will be equipped with two central vacuum stations and a total of four compact stations of the Roediger Type 360. Together, they provide sufficient capacity to supply and discharge the entire hall and the exterior servicing areas. This means that fresh water and wastewater can be handled safely, quickly and hygienically, supporting efficient turnaround times for the ICE fleet.
The depot’s main hall is around 480 metres long and houses four servicing tracks. Along these tracks, approximately 120 underground service pits enable trains to be supplied with fresh water and to have wastewater toilet systems emptied. The configuration allows flexible servicing of different trainsets and multiple trains simultaneously, a key requirement in a busy high-speed network. Here, Roediger’s systems benefit directly from years of operational experience at the ICE depot Köln-Nippes, where similar installations have been in service since the facility opened in 2017. That long-term operational track record has informed the design and optimisation of the Dortmund-Hafen installation, helping to reduce maintenance requirements and increase system reliability.
Beyond the main hall, the ICE-Werk Dortmund-Hafen includes two exterior servicing areas with four additional tracks. These outdoor positions are equipped with more than 100 of Roediger’s T-Systems. The T-Systems are designed for efficient train-side connection, allowing quick and safe servicing even in varying weather conditions. This high number of units enables the rapid, track-side removal of various types of train and contributes to a smooth flow of vehicles through the depot.
Across the outdoor tracks 16 media cabinets distribute the necessary utilities for the interior cleaning – hot and cold water supply as well as various cleaning agents and other resources. These cabinets play a crucial role in ensuring reliable and quick interior cleaning of the trains.
By integrating Roediger’s supply and disposal technology, the depot can deliver consistent service quality while meeting stringent environmental and hygiene standards.
With the ICE-Werk Dortmund-Hafen, Deutsche Bahn gains a modern facility that supports the efficient and sustainable operation of its high-speed fleet. Roediger Vacuum GmbH’s contribution underscores the importance of robust, proven servicing technology in keeping Europe’s long-distance rail services running smoothly.
