The first framework agreements for the consolidated supply of multi-ducts and cable-ducts for Rail Baltica have officially entered into force, marking a key milestone in delivering essential construction materials for the cross-border high-speed railway. Signed with Höhle OÜ for multi-ducts and Pipelife Eesti AS for cable-ducts, the agreements establish close cooperation to ensure that all materials meet the highest safety and engineering standards.
“These agreements mark more than just a procedural milestone – they show that our suppliers are ready to deliver at scale,” said Marko Kivila, CEO at RB Rail AS. “It guarantees that all materials fit into the railway system and meet strict safety and reliability standards.”
Rail Baltica is being built as a safety-critical system integrating track, signalling, power, rolling stock, and other components. By applying systems engineering principles from the outset, the project ensures that all materials and systems meet the highest standards of safety, performance, and reliability.
A framework agreement is a long-term arrangement between the three Baltic states and a supplier that defines the general terms for future purchases such as pricing, quality, and delivery, but does not create any financial obligations on its own. Instead, it serves as a flexible mechanism allowing each party to procure the needed quantities efficiently under an existing, pre-approved framework.
The selected companies – Höhle OÜ from Rapla municipality and Pipelife Eesti AS based in Rae municipality – are both reputable Estonian manufacturers with strong international experience and high quality standards. Höhle OÜ, part of HellermannTyton Estonia OÜ, is the leading producer of micro ducts in the Baltics, exporting to 20 European countries. Founded by Estonian entrepreneurs in 2015, the company became part of the HellermannTyton Telecoms business unit following an acquisition in 2023. With an annual turnover of €20 million and a team of 50 employees, Höhle OÜ is currently tripling its manufacturing capacity, aiming to complete the expansion by the end of Q1 2026. “The contract with RB Rail is a great example of how public sector investments can stimulate the wider economy, especially at a time when many European export markets are facing macroeconomic challenges. As always, we are committed to delivering on our promises,” said Toomas Koobas, CEO of Höhle OÜ.
Established in 1993 in Estonia and operating from its main production base near Tallinn, Pipelife Eesti AS is part of the wider Pipelife brand, fully owned by wienerberger since 2012. It is one of the leading piping solutions providers in the Baltics. “We are very pleased to have been selected as a supplier for one of the largest infrastructure projects of the century in this region and take on this responsibility with full dedication,” said Alar Anga, General Manager at Pipelife Eesti AS. “We have successfully completed the Rail Baltica factory and product inspections, prepared all required documentation, and are ready to ensure product availability and start full-scale deliveries.”
These materials – multi-ducts and cable-ducts – play an essential role in protecting power and communication cables along the railway. They ensure safe, organized, and long-lasting installation, protecting cables from mechanical damage, moisture, and temperature variations, and simplifying future maintenance or system upgrades.
“It is great to see that the construction of Rail Baltica is creating opportunities for local manufacturers and service providers,” said Rail Baltica Estonia CEO Anvar Salomets. “Estonian companies are highly competitive internationally – these contracts show that our industry has all the prerequisites to contribute to large cross-border projects. Each such contract means jobs for Estonian companies, tax revenue for municipalities, and a direct economic impact on the regions through which the high-speed railway passes.”
The remaining consolidated procurements have been completed, and the final decisions by the national stakeholders are currently under consideration. The total value of these agreements amounts to €1.13 billion. This represents the maximum estimated contract value, including the cost of superstructure materials for the full scope of the Rail Baltica project.
The next material groups planned for framework agreements include key superstructure components such as sleepers with fastening systems and under sleeper pads, rails, railway ballast, turnouts, and rail expansion joints. Additional local manufacturers are also preparing to join the supply chain, further strengthening regional industry participation and production capacity.
“With these procurements now concluded, the majority of our framework contracts are in place,” added Marko Kivila. “Apart from a few remaining areas, such as the CCS systems, the procurement process has largely been completed.”
For background
- The procurement process for cable protection materials began in 2021, coordinated by RB Rail AS in cooperation with the three national implementing bodies: Rail Baltic Estonia OÜ, SIA Eiropas Dzelzceļa Līnijas, and LTG Infra AB.
- The seven-year framework agreements establish transparent conditions for supply, competitive pricing, and long-term planning in line with EU funding principles. The consolidated supply agreements will also cover other critical material groups, including rails, turnout systems, rail expansion joints, sleepers, and ballast.
- This consolidated approach ensures the use of standardized, high-quality materials across the entire railway line, achieving economies of scale, improving delivery reliability, and supporting sustainable supply chains – a model widely applied in major European railway projects.
About Rail Baltica
Rail Baltica is one of the largest high-speed rail projects in Europe and is part of the Trans-European Transport Network. It aims to improve connectivity, strengthen regional security and support economic growth in the Baltic states. The new railway will link Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania with Poland and, indirectly, with Finland, as well as with the broader European rail network.
Rail Baltica will be fully electrified with a standard gauge of 1435 mm and it will be equipped with ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System). It has been designed to meet European standards. With a design speed of 249 km/h, Rail Baltica will reduce travel times between the Baltic states and major European cities by more than half. It will serve as a modern infrastructure for passenger, freight and military mobility, promoting accessibility and facilitating business, tourism and cultural exchange. Rail Baltica will help establish the Baltics as a key link in European trade and cooperation.
About RB Rail AS
RB Rail AS is a multinational joint venture between Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania established to lead and coordinate the implementation of the Rail Baltica Global Project, the first infrastructure development project of this scale in the Baltic region. Find out more about the Rail Baltica global project at www.railbaltica.org
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