"We take the environmental requirements from society and our clients seriously, and we also take responsibility for leading the industry in a more environmentally friendly direction," says Kjersti Kanne, CEO of Baneservice, citing this as one of the main reasons behind the investment in the new hybrid tamping machine.

Around 100 guests, including partners and employees, gathered in the May sunshine to see the machine. With higher efficiency, lower emissions and less noise, the hybrid tamping machine offers a complete package that improves both production and working conditions for the operators who use it as their workplace.

In her speech, Minister Myrseth thanked Baneservice for investing in innovation, technology and sustainable solutions, describing the machine as a milestone for a forward-thinking society and a step towards an even more environmentally friendly railway.

Responsible and efficient partner

Parts of Norway's railway infrastructure are very old, and with increasing traffic and wear, rapid renewal is critical. Speaking from the stage, Myrseth said the railway will play a key role in the years ahead: in the shift towards a more sustainable society, in the new security policy situation where preparedness is a top priority, and not least in strengthening Norway's competitiveness.

The Minister of Trade and Industry was keen to hear more about life on the railway.

"As contractors, we are a vital part of the value chain that keeps the railway running. For us at Baneservice, this means being a responsible and efficient partner that delivers high-quality work, while also helping to make the construction of Norway's railway more environmentally friendly," says Kanne, adding:

"The hybrid technology means we can now carry out our work with lower emissions, better energy efficiency and modern solutions suited to the future demands of railway maintenance."

Baneservice invested in two hybrid tamping machines from the Austrian manufacturer Plasser & Theurer back in 2023. The first of the two, now named 6016, is also the first construction machine in Norway to be prepared for the common European signalling system ERTMS.

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