ZF to Supply Nearly 3,000 Gearboxes for Hamburg's U5 Subway Line
ZF will deliver almost 3,000 specially developed gearboxes for Hamburg's new U5 subway line and fleet modernization, supporting Germany's largest subway project.
2,992
374
What Happened
ZF has received a major order to supply nearly 3,000 gearboxes for Hamburg's U5 subway line and the modernization of existing fleet. The gearboxes, developed from scratch for the new DT6 rail vehicles, feature a two-stage spur gear drive with low noise and reduced weight. Production will start with 384 gearboxes for 48 vehicles, with deliveries beginning in late 2026 and series production from early 2027.
2,992
Over the entire construction period of about 15 years
ZF (then Hurth) starts producing gearboxes for Hamburg's DT4 vehicles.
Gearboxes supplied for DT5 vehicles.
First test gearbox for DT6 delivered.
U5 line scheduled to begin passenger service.
“We have had good experience with gearboxes from ZF in Hamburg. In terms of reliability, smooth running and service quality, they are exactly what we once again need for our demanding operation on the new U5 line.”
Why this matters
The order cements ZF's role in large-scale public transit infrastructure and extends its decades-long partnership with Alstom. The quiet, lightweight gearboxes are critical for the high-frequency, automated service planned for the U5 line.
Terms in This Story
- Spur gear drive
- A type of gearbox where the gears are parallel and have straight teeth, used for transmitting power efficiently.
- Electric multiple unit (EMU)
- A self-propelled electric train that does not require a separate locomotive.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.