Severn Lamb’s TUA Express honoured at business awards

The designers and manufacturers of an express steam locomotive operated along the scenic River Douro in Portugal has won the UK’s Department for International Trade’s Business Awards.

Severn Lamb, which made the historic-looking Express steam outline locomotive for the Douro Azul Group in Portugal, picked up the award in the ‘New to Market’ category.

The TUA Express was commissioned to run on the 120-year-old Tua Line in Northern Portugal. It hauls four passenger coaches along the stunning riverside of the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The steam train is designed to run on a 1 metre gauge line at a maximum speed of 25kph. The four enclosed passenger coaches can accommodate up to 56 passengers each. The coaches have heating and air-conditioning to ensure that passengers enjoy their trip whatever the weather.

Severn Lamb ensured that despite the train’s old-world feel, it has all mod-cons including USB charge points and a galley coach with kitchen, bar, toilets and lounge area.

Chris Sainty, the British Ambassador to Portugal presented the award during a ceremony held at the British Embassy in Lisbon.

Andrew Mitchell, the UK’s Trade Commissioner for Europe said the objective of the event was to “hand out awards to very, very special people.”