Bringing power to the lines: Choreographing the cable supply-chain: Rail Technology

We all know that Network Rail is working hard to electrify the lines across the UK’s entire network, with a view to moving away from diesel rolling stock to bring increased efficiencies, cost-savings and carbon footprint reductions. Balancing budgeted upgrade works to deliver increased capacity with the implicit disruption to schedules of any track possession order means these large-scale projects need systems and contractors that can be relied on.

Rail routes in the North West are currently being electrified between Newton-le-Willows and Liverpool, and Huyton and Wigan, with overhead line equipment being installed. Electric trains can now run between Manchester Victoria and Liverpool and between Liverpool and Wigan, with further sections of the network following over the next 3 years. The demands of this upgrade project, ably managed by Balfour Beatty, have seen the Unipart Rail and Eland Cables Joint Venture play a key role in providing the cables that keep this project on-track.

It is a carefully choreographed operation to deliver the right product, to the right location, in the correct length and packaging, at the optimum moment. Project Managers will look at their schedules and, with Eland and Unipart Rail involved, know that the cable supply is in safe, reliable hands, and that the right questions will be asked at planning stage to deliver a seamless service that meet the Schedule of Works.

Case Study:

The Requirement:

Network Rail approved Overhead Line Wire, Catenary Wire, and Medium Voltage Cables

The Challenge:

Bespoke production lengths required on tight timescales.

The Solution:

The technical team provided their expertise at the late-design phase to help deliver product confirmations and technical drawings. This advice saw the specification of non-standard production lengths to best fit the route’s topography.

These production lengths were manufactured then inspected in Eland’s in-house cable testing laboratory. Testing and inspection of the cables provided added assurance of product integrity against British Standards. This lab is UKAS Accredited to ISO 17025, affirming its capability in delivering independent, accurate results in testing services; the only UK cable supplier to offer this.

Logistically, delivering the miles of cable was also a complex process. Large drums are hard to store and costly to secure, especially when the rail industry continues to tackle copper theft along its routes. Drums are often required in areas of restricted access, with limited offloading facilities and capabilities. By employing a Just-In-Time delivery schedule, the project was supplied with the necessary product by Unipart Rail, at the right location, at the right time for installation.

The Outcome:

With Network Rail approved cables manufactured, tested and delivered within the challenging timeframe, project deadlines were met and budgets adhered to. There will always be service disruption incurred when such major upgrade works are undertaken, but having experienced suppliers who carefully manage the production and delivery of these key elements helps mitigate against over-run and further delays.

What’s next:

Upgrade work continues on routes across the North West, with Manchester to Preston, and Preston to Blackpool the next projects slated for completion. Eland and Unipart Rail continue to offer Network Rail approved products in support of work that will result in more cost-efficient and ecologically-friendly operation, and, importantly, a better, smoother service for the customers who rely so heavily on the UK’s rail network.

The companies behind the cables

Eland Cables is a global supplier of power, data and control cables; Unipart Rail is a renowned supply-chain services company. They have combined their technical and supply chain capabilities under a Joint Venture since 2009, delivering expertise and quality products to rail projects across the UK and are Achilles RISQS certified. Together, they are the country’s biggest supplier of cable and overhead line to Network Rail.