German state-owned railway Deutsche Bahn will have to wait longer for further next-generation 3neo ICE high-speed trains because of production delays at manufacturer Siemens.
Siemens said on Thursday that there were quality defects in some weld seams in parts provided by a subcontractor which were discovered during a routine internal inspection.
"Siemens Mobility is in close contact with Deutsche Bahn and the subcontractor and is working hard to resolve the issue," a spokesman said on Thursday.
"All trains that have already been delivered are not affected and can be used safely," the Siemens spokesman added
A spokesman for Deutsche Bahn also emphasized that the 21 3neo high-speed trains already in service with the railway were not affected.
"They are operating without any problems," he said.
"Siemens Mobility's quality assurance measures are not currently having any impact on our timetable," the Deutsche Bahn spokesman added. "We only accept trains that are in perfect condition."
Deutsche Bahn has ordered a total of 90 3neo ICE trains from Siemens to upgrade its fleet for long-distance passenger service. The trains are to be delivered over several years.