Launch and seminar: Arctic Test Arena. 4th–5th November 2025 Narvik, Norway

Launch and seminar: Arctic Test Arena. If it works here, it works everywhere.  4^th–5^th November 2025. Narvik, Norway

Join us for a unique two-day programme in Narvik, celebrating the official launch of the Arctic Test Arena — a Norwegian Swedish initiative for testing and developing railway technology in extreme Arctic conditions.

Over two days you will experience a technical train journey along Ofotbanen and Malmbanan, gain first-hand insights into test activities, and take part in a dedicated seminar and laboratory visit at UiT – The Arctic University of Norway. This is a unique opportunity to share knowledge, reflect on lessons learned and strengthen European collaboration for the railway of the future.

Why You Should Attend

• Join the Arctic Innovation Train Journey along Ofotbanen and Malmbanan, where we showcase test activities.
• Take part in an exclusive seminar and lab visit at UiT – The Arctic University of Norway.
• Share insights on innovation, testing and collaboration across Europe’s rail sector.

Cross-border collaboration is essential to address climate challenges, digitalisation and resilient infrastructure.

Programme

Day 1 – 4th November: Launch & Innovation Train Journey

08:45 – Official Launch Ceremony, Narvik Station

Welcome remarks by Norwegian Railway Directorate, Bane NOR, Trafikverket, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, SINTEF, JVTC, Luleå University of Technology, and Europe’s Rail JU.

09:00 – Departure: Arctic Innovation Train Journey

Board the Arctic Innovation Train for a one-of-a-kind journey!

Showcasing test activities and stops include:

• Monitoring of concrete bridges and transition zones (Europe’s Rail – FP3-IAM4RAIL).
• Technologies for winter operations and cold climate environment.
• Solutions for heavy haul operations in harsh conditions.
• Digitalisation projects for railway assets, operations and maintenance.

A light lunch will be served on board or at a scenic stop, depending on weather conditions.

14:00 – 14:30 – Return to Narvik Station

Final reflections and a look toward future test initiatives and cross-border collaboration.

18:30 – Evening Gathering and Dinner

All guests are warmly invited to join us for a shared dinner to continue conversations and strengthen connections (self-paid).

Day 2 – 5th November: Seminar & Lab Visit at UiT

09:00 – 13:00, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Narvik

A dedicated seminar and lab visit at UiT to continue the discussions from the launch event.

Agenda highlights:

• The derailment on Malmbanan and Ofotbanen (December 2023): what happened, lessons learned and the importance of testing to avoid similar incidents in the future.
• Ongoing and potential test activities on the Arctic Test Arena.
• Models for collaboration: exploring how industry, academia, and authorities can work together to maximise the value of the test arena.

The seminar concludes with a guided tour of the railway laboratories at UiT, followed by a joint lunch.

 Please register via this link to confirm your participation:

https://forms.office.com/e/u3wnkScgJv

When registering, please indicate whether you will attend Day 1, the network dinner on Day 1 (self-paid), Day 2 or all.

Full programme and speaker details will be published here: Launch and seminar: Arctic Test Arena – Norwegian Railway Directorate

The event is hosted by:

Europe’s Rail Norway – The Norwegian Railway Directorate, Bane NOR, Trafikverket, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, SINTEF, Luleå Railway Research Center (JVTC) and Luleå University of Technology.

📩 Contact: – Project Manager Arctic Test Arena, Norwegian Railway Directorate

🎬 Watch the film: The Arctic Test Arena on Vimeo

More information about Arctic Test Arena:

Arctic Test Arena on Ofotbanen and Malmbanan – Norwegian Railway Directorate