News and Insights
European Loc Pool has entered into a strategic partnership with railCare AG
Frauenfeld / Härkingen, Solothurn, December, 13, 2023
European Loc Pool (ELP), a leading provider of innovative locomotive leasing services based in Switzerland, is pleased to announce a new collaboration with railCare AG. RailCare is an established company that has been providing logistics services from door to door for over 10 years.
The partnership between European Loc Pool and railCare was solidified through an agreement for a full-service leasing contract for three Euro9000 locomotives. These state-of-the-art, six-axle hybrid locomotives are considered “next-generation” and are the most powerful of their kind in the market.
Willem Goosen, CEO von European Loc Pool, und Philipp Wegmüller, CEO von railCare
Philipp Wegmüller, CEO of railCare, emphasizes the superiority of the Euro9000 locomotives: “We were in search of locomotives with cutting-edge technology and high energy efficiency. The Euro9000 not only meets these criteria but also offers unmatched pulling power. This allows us to increase transport capacity on the Lötschberg and Gotthard routes.”The Euro9000 locomotives will be deployed not only on the Lötschberg and Gotthard routes but also, as needed, on other national connections of railCare. Thanks to their last-mile capability and remote control technology, the Euro9000 provides maximum operational flexibility for railCare’s entire network of routes.
The outstanding tractive power, sustainability, and energy efficiency of these locomotives enable an increased transport capacity while maintaining the same rail infrastructure.
Willem Goosen, CEO of European Loc Pool, emphasizes the significance of this partnership: “This strategic alliance opens up new growth opportunities for both companies. We are proud to collaborate with railCare and look forward to contributing to the sustainable development of rail freight transport.”
The collaboration with railCare marks a significant milestone for European Loc Pool and paves the way for an exciting new chapter: Serving the retail segment, railCare is focusing its transport solutions particularly on COOP, its 100% shareholder and one of the largest retail companies in Switzerland. This partnership sends a clear signal for the promotion of sustainable and innovative transport options in the retail segment.
The delivery of the three Euro9000 locomotives is planned for the third quarter of next year.
More about the Hybrid Locomotives
European Loc Pool (ELP) focuses on innovative six-axle hybrid locomotives with a power output of up to 2.8 MW in diesel mode, 9 MW in electric mode, and a traction force of 500 kN. All vehicles come equipped with ETCS-Baseline 3 as standard for operation on Level 2 tracks. The first ELP EuroDual locomotives have been in operation on the German rail network since April 2020. They enable operation on electrified and non-electrified lines, as well as last-mile and shunting operations. All Dual locomotives are equipped with remote control.
From mid-2023, the second generation of ELP’s dual locomotives, the Euro9000, were put into service as a hybrid multi-system electric locomotive designed for use in all European corridors. As the “launching customer,” European Loc Pool ordered the first ten Euro9000 locomotives from Stadler in May 2019. The first version with 1.9 MW of diesel and 9 MW of electric power at 500 kN tractive effort will be used in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, and Switzerland. Subsequently, the locomotive’s area of operation will be expanded to other countries and corridors.
About European Loc Pool AG
European Loc Pool (ELP) is a young, innovative leasing company for locomotives and was founded in May 2018. The company is headquartered in Frauenfeld, Switzerland. ELP ordered the first EuroDual locomotives in the third quarter of 2018 Since then, ELP has signed a framework agreement with Stadler for 100 Co’Co’ hybrid locomotives. From this agreement, 85 locomotives have already been leased under long-term full-service contracts with more than 30 operators in six countries. ELP targets rail operators and logistics companies across Europe and focuses on new innovative six-axle hybrid locomotives. ELP’s full-service leasing includes a comprehensive maintenance and insurance offer as well as the possibility to customise the exterior of the locomotives.
ELP is committed to sustainability and utilise advanced technology to reduce their environmental impact while improving operational performance. ELP’s experienced team of professionals prioritises safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness to exceed customer expectations.
For further information, please visit our website or follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram or YouTube.
Press contact European Loc Pool:
Henrike Wilkens
Marketing & Communications
E-mail: henrike.wilkens@europeanlocpool.com
About railCare
As a young and dynamic company, we have been providing door-to-door logistics services for over 10 years. In addition to conventional transport logistics by truck or train, our expertise lies in actively shifting traffic through unaccompanied combined transport. We offer the entire transport chain under one roof, including road and rail transport, terminal functions, operator, and forwarding tasks.
Since 2010, we have been part of the Coop Group. Our services are also available to companies outside the Coop Group that are looking for sustainable and innovative transport solutions.
Press contact railCare:
Coop Media Office
Thiersteinerallee 14
CH-4002 Basel
Tel. +41 61 336 70 00
medien@coop.ch