Eurostar has announced an upgrade to its upcoming fleet of 50 double-decker trains, now designed to operate in temperatures up to 55 degrees Celsius (131 degrees Fahrenheit). This decision comes in response to escalating heatwaves across Europe and a recognition of the long service life of the new trains, which are expected to run into the 2060s.
The new trains, named 'Celestia', were initially designed to function in temperatures up to 45C. The modification follows a series of intense heatwaves that have affected the continent, including France, which recently recorded its hottest day in nearly 80 years with temperatures reaching 44.3C. Authorities reported at least 48 drowning deaths in France as people sought ways to cool off, and two children died from heat exposure in a car during the recent heatwave.
Gwendoline Casenave, Eurostar's chief executive, stated that the investment in the upgraded air conditioning systems is justified by the trains' projected 30-year service life. She noted that future temperatures could be comparable to those experienced in North Africa.
The €2 billion investment in the new fleet, built by Alstom Group, was announced last year. Eurostar has confirmed an order for 30 trains with an option for 20 more. These 200-meter trains are intended to serve all five current Eurostar destinations, with potential expansion to Geneva and Frankfurt. The Celestia fleet aims to increase seat capacity by 20 percent per train, with each 200-meter train accommodating around 540 seats. Longer configurations, potentially operating through the Channel Tunnel, could seat approximately 1,080 passengers.
In addition to the train upgrades, Eurostar has continued to develop its 'solstice plan,' an emergency response system for heatwave conditions. This plan involves monitoring train air conditioning and water supplies, as well as ensuring systems are prepared for maintenance. The company experienced service disruptions last month when four trains between London St Pancras and Paris Gare du Nord were canceled due to expected adverse weather conditions on the network.