Austria: Schoenherr advises Hitachi on EUR 2.6bln OEBB digital interlocking tender

OEBB plans to replace its current 650 interlockings nationwide with just three large data centres, connected via fibre-optic lines, in the course of the digitalisation project. The changeover is intended to bring significant efficiency savings as well as increased rail capacity. Implementation is planned in stages, with the pilot project scheduled to go live in the fourth quarter of 2030, followed by further pilot projects ahead of a nationwide roll-out.

The project underscores both cybersecurity and technological sovereignty considerations for Austria's rail infrastructure, and is expected to strengthen Hitachi Rail's footprint in Austria, including additional jobs at its Vienna location.

"We are proud to have guided Hitachi through this landmark tender. It is one of the most significant infrastructure procurement processes in Austria in recent years, and required close coordination across legal, technical and commercial work streams from day one through to Last and Final Offer," said Johannes Stalzer, Partner at Schoenherr and lead of the team advising Hitachi.

The Schoenherr team advising on this transaction was led by Johannes Stalzer (Partner) and Constantin Benes (Partner).