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
ELP launches “Next Generation Award” to support youth development in regional sports clubs
Frauenfeld, 14. January 2026 European Loc Pool AG (ELP), is further expanding its regional engagement and, together with the association “Sportnetz Frauenfeld”, is launching the “Next Generation Award”. From 2026 onwards, ELP will provide CHF 10,000 annually to specifically support the commitment of Frauenfeld sports clubs to youth development. ELP stands for innovation, future oriented action and the assumption of long-term responsibility. A central element of this responsibility is the promotion of young talent. That is why we invest in the next generation, strengthen skills and create perspectives for a successful future. This mindset is reflected not only in Europe’s most advanced locomotive generation, the Euro9000 “Next Generation”, but also in ELP’s local social engagement. With the Next Generation Award, ELP deliberately transfers this future driven approach to young people who take on responsibility and actively help shape the club life of tomorrow. The award recognises sports clubs that train young people aged 14 to 18 through the “1418coach” education programme. The programme enables young people to take on responsibility at an early stage, strengthens their social skills and promotes long term involvement in everyday club activities. The award will be granted four times per year. The selection of the awarded clubs will be made by a joint jury consisting of representatives from ELP and Sportnetz Frauenfeld. “Next Generation means taking responsibility for the future, on the rails as well as in society. With this award, we want to empower young people who are already making an important contribution to their clubs today”, says Willem Goosen, CEO of ELP. About Sportnetz Frauenfeld Sportnetz Frauenfeld is a directory and network of sports clubs in the city of Frauenfeld. Visitors can find an overview of around 45 clubs from a wide range of sports, including football, swimming, gymnastics, athletics, judo, dance, canoe polo and many more. The aim of Sportnetz Frauenfeld is to connect clubs, promote exchange and make sport in Frauenfeld more visible. Interested clubs can find further information on participation on the Sportnetz Frauenfeld website, www.sportnetz-frauenfeld.ch. About European Loc Pool AG European Loc Pool, ELP, is a leading provider of innovative locomotive leasing and maintenance services, headquartered in Frauenfeld, Switzerland. The Full-Service Leasing packages include modern six axle hybrid locomotives that can be tailored to the specific needs of customers. Since its foundation in May 2018, ELP has served more than 33 operators across five countries. ELP is committed to sustainability and uses advanced technologies to reduce environmental impact while improving operational performance. ELP’s experienced team places great emphasis on safety, reliability and cost efficiency in order to exceed customer expectations. For more information, please visit our Webseite or follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram. We are very much looking forward to working with Sportnetz Frauenfeld and are proud to make a tangible contribution to youth development in the Canton of Thurgau through the Next Generation Award. Press contact ELPMorena Di NardoMarketing & CommunicationsEmail: morena.dinardo@europeanlocpool.com
European Loc Pool in the press
