Tampere’s tram traffic began in August 2021, and Kemion’s de-icing products were already in use during the very first winter. Tests with Kemion’s products had been carried out the previous winter in 2020 to determine the various applications in which they could be used.
The collaboration between Kemion and Tampere Tram began through YIT, who already had positive experiences with Kemion. In planning the maintenance of the tramway, it was clear that the products used must be as low-corrosive and biodegradable as possible to protect the rail infrastructure and equipment. Also products needed to be suitable for groundwater areas through which parts of the line run.
Product development in collaboration
Kemion has developed the Eco-Melter RAIL product series specifically for the needs of railways and tramways, addressing the winter challenges of the rail environment. The products are designed to work effectively in varying and demanding weather conditions where snow and ice accumulating on the tracks can cause slipperiness and thus disruptions to traffic.
Products’ low corrosiveness ensures suitability for sensitive areas such as switches, rails, and other rail infrastructure. With the right products, tracks can be kept safely operational while reducing weather-related disruptions.
RAIL product series in use
Kemion’s Eco-Melter RAIL solution is used especially on rails and switches as a preventive treatment before snowfall and after brushing. The product keeps snow and ice separated from the rail, making them easy to remove by brushing. Tampere Tram has developed its own application equipment that allows groove-rail cleaning and liquid application to be performed consecutively. This enables efficient freeze prevention: brushing removes snow, and the liquid prevents ice from bonding to the rail.
Tampere Tram also uses Eco-Melter S-RAIL granules, which have been applied in areas such as intersections, switch zones, and road-traffic crossing points. The granules maintain their melting power for a long time and penetrate compacted ice effectively. In challenging conditions, a combination of liquid and granules is used: first granules are applied, followed by liquid, making mechanical ice removal easier.
Kemion has also developed the Eco-Melter WIRE de-icing solution for Tampere Tram’s needs. The solution is applied to overhead wires using a special applicator and prevents ice formation on the conductors.
Winter maintenance in critical areas
Depot entry and exit tracks, crossings, and busy track sections require special attention. During winter, applications are carried out several times a week. The maintenance season typically ranges from November to April, depending on the winter. Mechanical removal and rail grinding vehicles are still in use, but anti-icing products save both time and costs. De-icing reduces the need for manual ice removal, improving work safety.
Functional and flexible collaboration
“Kemion’s products and instructions have met our needs well, and the supply chain has been reliable. The cooperation has been flexible, and Kemion has developed its products according to the tramway’s specific requirements. A good example of this is that the compatibility of the liquid RAIL product with the rail infrastructure was ensured already before commissioning,” summarizes Pekka Salminen, site supervisor of the maintenance alliance.
The past three winters have gone smoothly, and Tampere Tram’s reliability has remained close to 100 percent. The launch of service on the Lentävänniemi line in winter 2025 also succeeded without issues thanks to proactive maintenance and effective de-icing solutions.
Read more about Tampere Tram here.
