Press & Media
Shaping the Future of Rail Freight: European Loc Pool expands its versatile portfolio
Frauenfeld [10/01/2025] European Loc Pool (ELP), a leading provider of innovative locomotive full-service leasing solutions, continues to expand its reach with incumbents, private operators and “shippers” in new industrial segments. While ELP has long been a trusted partner for rail operators in Europe, an increasing number of state-owned operators now rely on its versatile six-axle hybrid locomotives. This growth underlines the broad appeal of ELP’s value proposition which is tailored to meet the challenging demands of modern rail logistics. Recent additions to ELP’s customer base, such as Rail Cargo Group (RCG), the freight division of the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB), and Verkehrsbetriebe Peine-Salzgitter (VPS), the “inhouse” rail freight operators of Salzgitter AG, a dominant producer in Germany’s steel industry, highlight the growing reliance on ELP’s versatile locomotive solutions across different sectors. ELP’s EuroDual for Verkehrsbetriebe Peine-Salzgitter (VPS) Dr. Johannes Dreier, Managing Director of VPS, emphasized the importance of the new locomotives: “The handover of our new EuroDual hybrid locomotives marks another milestone in our activities to decarbonize rail freight transport and the Salzgitter Group’s logistics chain. In this way, we are supporting the transformation of our Group’s internal customers and improving the efficiency of our raw material transports thanks to the increased loading capacity.” These partnerships join a growing list of customers, including Green Cargo, MEG, DB Cargo, and CargoNet. ELP’s commitment to serving diverse industries – including intermodal, construction, heavy dry and wet bulk goods, automotive, timber, retail, and now steel – continues to drive its success. Driving sustainability and efficiency ELP’s hybrid locomotives stand out for their ability to handle heavier and longer trains with a single unit, offering up to 40% higher payloads while reducing traction costs. Their hybrid capabilities ensure seamless traction across electrified and non-electrified lines, providing significant flexibility for first- and last-mile operations. For RCG, the EuroDual’s hybrid capabilities are a game changer. “The EuroDuals provide us with the necessary flexibility and efficiency to respond to rising costs and challenges in first- and last-mile operations,” explained Cenk Seringölge, Geschäftsführer von Rail Cargo Logistics – Germany. “Their hybrid capability enables seamless operation, significantly enhancing our competitiveness and allowing us to deliver tailored logistics solutions.” ELP’s EuroDual for Rail Cargo Group “Our locomotives combine sustainability with unmatched operational efficiency, making them a natural choice for both private, public operators and “blue-chip-shippers”. This growing diversity in our customer base showcases the versatility and reliability of our leasing solutions,” said Willem Goosen, CEO of European Loc Pool. “Our ability to adapt to different industries and operational needs, from national railways to specialized industrial players and private operators, sets us apart. We are proud to support our customers in optimizing their logistics while advancing sustainability,” Goosen added. With its proven full-service leasing model, ELP continues to empower public and private rail operators to meet the challenges of modern freight transport head-on, while driving future innovation in sustainable rail solutions. More about Hybrid Locomotives European Loc Pool (ELP) focuses on innovative six-axle hybrid locomotives from Stadler, thereby setting new standards in European rail freight transport. The EuroDual and Euro9000 locomotives revolutionize European Rail Freight with their combination of electric and diesel operation, also enabling seamless last-mile and shunting operations. The EuroDual, as a forerunner in the portfolio of European Loc Pool, is a game-changer in rail freight. With its tractive effort of 500 kN and a performance of up to 2.8 MW in diesel and 6.2 MW in electric operation, it offers up to 40% higher loading capacity. The EuroDual is already successfully in operation in Germany, Austria, France, and Scandinavia and was recently approved in Serbia. Slovenia and Croatia will follow in the first quarter of 2024. EuroDual Locomotive | European Loc Pool The Euro9000, the ‘next generation’ locomotive, stands for peak performance in the European rail industry. With a tractive effort of 500 kN and a performance of up to 1.9 MW in diesel and 9 MW in electric operation, it enables up to 40% higher loading capacity. As a hybrid multi-system electric locomotive, the Euro9000 expands the geographical deployment and efficiency on the European Rail Network. In addition to the advantages in last-mile- and shunting operations, the Euro9000 distinguishes itself on 3kV DC tracks with a special capability: it features a ‘boost’ capability, enabling it to combine its electric power with the diesel engines, leading to an impressive total performance of 7.7MW at the wheels. As the ‘launching customer’, European Loc Pool ordered the first ten Euro9000 locomotives from Stadler already in May 2019, and since mid-2023, the ‘next generation’ locomotive has been operating in Europe. The Euro9000 is approved in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Belgium. Italy will follow in 2024. Euro9000 Locomotive | European Loc Pool About European Loc Pool AG European Loc Pool (ELP) is a leading provider of innovative leasing and services for locomotives, based in Frauenfeld, Switzerland. ELP’s full-service leasing package includes preventative and corrective maintenance (including major overhauls), covered with corresponding availability and reliability guarantees. Additionally, ELP offers locomotive driver training and an innovative insurance package tailored to modern, six-axle hybrid locomotives. Since its establishment in May 2018, ELP has ordered 124 locomotives, of which over 100 have been leased, and has already serviced over 30 operators in 6 countries. The vision of ELP is to positively disrupt the European Rail Freight Industry. The experienced team at ELP places great emphasis on safety, reliability, cost-efficiency, and sustainability 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
Business-Newsletter
Willem Goosen,CEO European Loc Pool Dear partner, As the year draws to a close, it invites us to pause for a moment and look back at what we have achieved together. 2025 was a year of momentum, milestones and forward-looking developments for ELP. With the successful commissioning of our 100th locomotive, we have not only crossed a symbolic milestone but also reaffirmed our commitment to making European Rail Freight more efficient, more modern and more sustainable. This progress is only possible because we can rely on strong partnerships that drive us to improve every day. This includes not only our customers and suppliers, but also our social partners. We are pleased to share that in 2026, we will enter a new partnership with the association Sportnetz Frauenfeld. The organisation supports sports clubs in the region in promoting young talents across various disciplines, aligned with our shared vision of a strong and future-oriented Next Generation. While we look back on an intensive and successful year, we are also looking ahead. 2026 will offer new opportunities to further expand our locomotive fleet. With the EuroDual approvals in Slovenia, Croatia and Serbia, as well as the upcoming approval of the Euro9000 in Italy, we will open up new geographies once again. Thank you for your trust, your collaboration and our continued partnership. On behalf of the entire ELP team, I wish you a Merry Christmas, a relaxing holiday season and a powerful start to the new year. Enjoy the read! Outlook Outlook, new market openings in Italy and the Balkans In the coming year, ELP is set to reach two decisive milestones that will significantly strengthen our European footprint. The Euro9000 country approval for Italy is in its final phase and is expected in the first quarter of 2026. At the same time, the Balkan approval is progressing according to plan. Both approvals carry high strategic importance for us, as they will enable the deployment of our locomotives along two key growth axes of European Rail Freight. With the Italian approval, new operational opportunities open up for our fleet on one of the most important north–south corridors. Italy plays a key role in international freight transport, particularly in connection with the Benelux region, Germany, and Switzerland. The unrestricted availability of our locomotives in this market will enhance the flexibility of our customers and increase efficiency in cross-border logistics chains. At the same time, the upcoming Balkan approval marks another significant step forward. The Southeast European region is gaining relevance for logistics, trade, and industry, driven by growing infrastructure investments and increasing transport volumes. With this approval, we build the foundation to support our customers along these dynamically developing corridors. The ability to operate our locomotives seamlessly into the region opens new commercial opportunities and strengthens ELP’s market presence in an increasingly connected European economic area. Both approvals reflect our ambition to continuously expand our fleet and to ensure maximum operational range and flexibility for our customers. They are essential building blocks for our growth and for the continued development of European rail freight. Latest Updates EuroDual for HHPI – Rail beats road HHPI GmbH is relying on the EuroDual to deliver modern technology, maximum traction, and top-level energy efficiency, sending a strong signal for sustainable freight transport in Europe.Read more New Euro9000 for HSL – ready for maximum performance HSL Logistik GmbH is expanding its fleet with another Euro9000 locomotive, already the fifth unit from European Loc Pool. A strong sign of trust, confidence, and ongoing partnership.Read more Rail Unit GmbH relies on flexibility with ELP’s EuroDual «For us, the flexibility of the EuroDual plays a major and decisive role. It allows us to meet our customers’ needs at any time.»Read more DPB Rail Infra Service GmbH relies on performance with ELP’s EuroDual «The flexibility of the EuroDual played a very important role in our decision. What was particularly decisive for us was the ability to operate a locomotive with high tractive power in both diesel and electric mode.»Read more Technology Update We live ECM Since its establishment, ELP has consistently committed itself to maintaining the highest standards in fleet maintenance. Our entire fleet, comprising three locomotive types, has been certified in accordance with the ECM system from the very beginning. In 2023, ELP itself additionally obtained certification as ECM 1 and ECM 2. This firm integration into the ECM framework not only ensures a robust process landscape, but also confirms that our internal structures, procedures and documentation fully meet the regulatory requirements of the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) and are subject to regular audits. For our customers, this provides a clear assurance that all maintenance decisions are based on traceable, verified and professionally managed processes. Over recent years, the ECM system has proven to be a significant advancement for the entire rail industry. It clearly defines maintenance responsibilities and ensures that safety, availability and quality are anchored in structured processes rather than left to chance. The systematic separation of roles and mandatory annual inspections reduce risks and ensure transparency in all technical procedures. The benefits for the industry are evident: fewer operational uncertainties, more efficient communication among stakeholders and a harmonised level of quality across operators. ELP actively contributes to upholding these standards by regularly auditing roles 3 and 4, thereby ensuring comprehensive compliance and consistent implementation. To support transparency, we refer to the relevant certificates, which can be accessed via ERADIS. Through this ongoing commitment, ELP reaffirms its responsibility to operate in full alignment with the highest safety and regulatory standards. Our customers can rely on every locomotive in our fleet being operated, maintained and monitored according to clearly defined, structured and fully auditable processes. Corporate Social Responsibility ESG commitments With strong partners such as SwissSliding and the Sternschnuppe Foundation, we will continue to drive numerous projects forward in 2026. In doing so, we are continuously strengthening our role in the environmental and social domains.Read more Sternschnuppe & ELP Partnership In November, a very special heartfelt wish came true for Luna.Read more ELP in Focus With “ELP in Focus”, we are expanding our newsletter with a new section that showcases the community’s perspective on our locomotives. Starting with this issue, we will regularly present selected images that show our fleet in operation. Each edition features two photos. The aim of this section is to highlight how diverse and dynamic our locomotives operate across the European network, captured through the eyes of those who share our passion for traction. Marco Sturla 2159.207-0 ELP-DBGemünden am Main (DE) Thomas Wohlfarth 159-247-6 ELP-BBLWunstorf (DE)
European Loc Pool in the press
