Russia's Freight Revolution: Severstal and UWC Unveil Next-Gen Railcars at SPIEF

A new partnership in freight car manufacturing has been announced at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). Severstal and United Wagon Company (UWC) signed a cooperation agreement to boost Russia’s engineering capabilities. The deal focuses on developing advanced materials and technologies for next-generation freight wagons. The agreement was signed by Alexander Shevelev, CEO of Severstal, and Irina Olkhovskaya, CEO of UWC PJSC and Universal Logistics. Both companies will work together to improve the competitiveness of domestic freight car production.

Under the partnership, UWC will increase its use of Severstal’s metal products. Engineers from Severstal’s Engineering Center and UWC’s design team will collaborate on new materials and manufacturing techniques. Their goal is to prepare these innovations for mass production. The centrepiece of the project is the second-generation 12-6744 gondola car. This model can carry 77 tons per car, a significant increase over previous versions. A train using these wagons will transport 550 tons more than standard models and 142 tons more than trains with the first generation of innovative cars. The improved design uses Severstal’s high-strength rolled steel. This enhances the car’s resistance to impact damage and deformation during operation. Widespread use of the new model could cut the number of conventional cars needed by 10%. As a result, freight volumes could grow without extra pressure on railway infrastructure. Serial production of the 12-6744 model is scheduled to begin in 2026. Olkhovskaya described the agreement as the foundation for a future platform that could extend these technologies to other freight car types.

The partnership aims to strengthen Russia’s position in freight car manufacturing. By combining Severstal’s materials with UWC’s engineering, the companies plan to increase efficiency and capacity in rail transport. The first upgraded gondola cars are expected to enter service within the next two years.