News and Insights

Three EuroDuals for Rail Cargo Group – and this is just the beginning!

Frauenfeld, Switzerland, April, 24, 2024

European Loc Pool (ELP), a leading provider of innovative locomotive leasing services, is pleased to announce the new partnership with Rail Cargo Group (RCG). RCG is the freight transport division of the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) and ranks among the top 3 rail logistics companies in Europe with a revenue of 1.94 billion euros in 2022.

Cenk Seringölge, Managing Director of Rail Cargo Logistics – Germany, explains the strategic decision: “The EuroDuals provide us with the necessary flexibility to efficiently respond to the high costs of the first and last mile. Their hybrid capability allows for continuous traction, which significantly enhances our competitiveness and enables us to offer customized logistics solutions.”

The EuroDual, a six-axle hybrid locomotive, represents a significant innovation in European rail freight transport. With a tractive force of 500 kN and capabilities of up to 2.8 MW in diesel mode and 6.2 MW in electric mode, the EuroDual offers up to 40% higher loading capacity compared to conventional models.

The EuroDuals are a sustainable addition to the RCG fleet, and their areas of operation include the German-Austrian axes.

Willem Goosen, CEO of European Loc Pool, comments on the cooperation: “It is an honor to support Rail Cargo Group in their pursuit of long-term flexibility and to make a difference in the competition with the flexibility of the EuroDual. Hybrid locomotives are the future.”

Cenk Seringölge further emphasizes: “The cooperation with European Loc Pool offers many advantages for our operations. Investing in the EuroDuals provides us with long-term cost efficiency and thus a competitive advantage in the German market and beyond.”

The delivery of the three EuroDuals is scheduled for the end of 2024 and the first half of 2025.

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 LinkedInInstagram or YouTube

Press contact European Loc Pool:

Henrike Wilkens
Marketing & Communications
E-mail: henrike.wilkens@europeanlocpool.com

About Rail Cargo Group
Rail Cargo Group: Freight Transport by ÖBB

As a leading rail logistics provider in Europe, we shape the industry. 365 days a year – 24 hours a day. Across Europe and into Asia. With our presence in 18 countries, we connect people, businesses, and markets—from the first to the last mile. Our 5,887 logistics professionals from 34 nations ensure that we safely deliver around 448,000 trains, or approximately 1,230 trains daily, to their destinations. Each year, we transport over 88 million net tonnes worldwide through efficient end-to-end logistics solutions. A rail share of 27.5% (preliminary value) of the total freight volume in Austria positions us as a leader in Europe. The operational lead company of the Rail Cargo Group is Rail Cargo Austria AG.