The Thessaloniki metro occupies an important position among Ansaldo STS’s main projects.This is due to both its high degree of technological innovation, which is based on the corresponding system already built in Copenhagen (currently the only driverless system functioning in Europe), and the strategic importance of winning this tender on the Greek market, which represents a new outlet for the group, offering exciting opportunities for further contracts.
The line mainly runs underground over approximately 9.6 km, crossing the city lengthwise from the New Railway Station in the west of the city to the Pilea depot in the east, near the airport. 13 stations are being built (with an average distance between two consecutive stations of around 730m) and a system comprising 15 trains (plus three in reserve) fed by a 705v current supplied by seven electricity substations along the whole route. The only overground section, around 800m long, runs next to the depot.
The project’s objectives are undoubtedly ambitious given that the quality standards expected, once the system is in operation, are much higher, particularly in terms of performance, reliability and safety, as illustrated below:
PerformanceThe system will be designed and built to guarantee very high performance levels, with a transport capacity of 18,000 passengers an hour in each direction (around 20% more than the Copenhagen system), a headway of 90 seconds and an average commercial speed of approximately 30km/h, which can ensure the whole line is covered from one end to the other in about 20 minutes (covering the same distance by car currently takes about 1.5 hours!).
ReliabilityThe reliability of the system will be guaranteed in the preliminary phase by the current project design, which for every single piece of equipment/component, identifies solutions to reduce breakdown rates, and accurately assesses life cycles. From the pieces of equipment/components, through RAM analyses, the statistical reliability of each subsystem (ATC, Third Rail, Power Supply etc.) is calculated at a value of between 99% and 100%.
In addition, when the system is operational, maintenance and assistance will be provided to ensure repairs, replacements and training can be carried out quickly and efficiently in order to manage any breakdown in good time, thereby avoiding repercussions, even minimal, on service regularity.
SafetyUsing the Copenhagen model, the safety of the system will be ensured on two different levels:the first relates to the functioning of the system, and sets out the application of all safety functions and procedures anticipated since the design stage.
The second level relates to the application throughout the construction process (design, supply, installation and putting into operation) of a system of intermediate reviews and assessments intended to gain safety certification from an officially recognised and external body both in relation to the contracting party (the Client) and the joint venture Contractor.
