The International Union of Railways (UIC) is pleased to invite you to an upcoming webinar on 22 June 2026 from 10:00 – 11:30 dedicated to a pioneering project for the conversion of historic ALn 668 railcars from diesel traction to Bio-LNG.
This initiative represents a concrete example of how heritage railways and sustainable innovation can be successfully combined, supporting decarbonisation objectives while preserving historical rolling stock.
Organised by UIC, the webinar will be presented by FS Treni Turistici Italiani, Hitachi Rail and Ecomotive Solutions, and will provide a comprehensive overview of the project from strategic concept to operational deployment.
The session will begin with an introduction by UIC, followed by a presentation of the project background and strategic choices that led to the transformation of the ALn 668. Speakers will then illustrate the technical conversion from diesel to LNG, including modifications to onboard systems and rolling stock layout, as well as the engine transformation and control systems developed to enable gas operation.
The webinar will also cover performance comparisons between diesel and LNG operation, supported by operational data, and will present the logistics solutions for refuelling, including the use of a dedicated mini tanker system. Specific attention will be given to LNG and Bio-LNG characteristics, environmental benefits and emissions reduction results.
Further contributions will address the homologation and authorisation process, the tourist line and operational context in which the converted railcars are deployed, and the future perspectives for extending this solution to other applications. The session will conclude with a Q&A segment, allowing participants to engage directly with the project partners.
This webinar is addressed to railway undertakings, infrastructure managers, engineers, sustainability experts and all stakeholders interested in alternative fuels and low-carbon solutions for rail, including applications to existing fleets and heritage vehicles.
Agenda Highlights
- Project background and strategic drivers for the ALn 668 diesel-to-Bio-LNG conversion
- Technical transformation of rolling stock, engines and control systems
- Performance comparison between diesel and LNG/Bio-LNG operation
- Refuelling solutions and logistics, including mini tanker operations
- Homologation and authorisation process
- Operational experience on tourist railway lines
- Environmental benefits and future perspectives for Bio-LNG applications
- Live Q&A with project partners
We look forward to welcoming you to this webinar and sharing insights from this unique experience at the intersection of railway heritage, technological innovation and energy transition.
For further information, please contact us here: https://uic.org/about/contact