News and Insights

Two EuroDuals from European Loc Pool for FRACHTbahn Traktion GmbH

Frauenfeld, Switzerland, January, 31, 2024 

European Loc Pool, a leading provider of locomotive leasing, is pleased to announce the signing of a long-term full-service leasing contract for two EuroDual locomotives with FRACHTbahn Traktion GmbH, headquartered in Vienna, Austria. This step emphasizes the commitment of FRACHTbahn and ELP to innovative, sustainable and efficient solutions in European rail freight transport. 

“The EuroDual is a key element in the further development of our company,” emphasizes Volker Kohl, Managing Director of FRACHTbahn Traktion GmbH. “It gives us access to heavy goods transport segments and complex topographical conditions that were previously challenging. Particularly noteworthy is the efficiency of the EuroDual in the first/last mile range and its ability to access alternative routes under diesel traction – an invaluable flexibility, especially for construction measures in the infrastructure sector.” 


The decision in favor of the EuroDual is based on its versatility and the possibility of opening up new transport segments. FRACHTbahn plans to use the EuroDual on main lines that run from the eastern borders of Austria to Germany, Switzerland and France, as well as on the transalpine corridor to Slovenia and Italy. “These routes are of strategic importance to us, and we see the EuroDual as a key asset for their development,” explains Kohl. “We will also develop further secondary axes in collaboration with our customers.” 

For FRACHTbahn, traction, sustainability, energy efficiency and flexibility are key aspects of its future strategy. EuroDual supports the company in developing new business areas and operating them economically. 

European Loc Pool is proud to meet FRACHTbahn’s expectations of a leasing company in terms of flexibility, reliability and support for growth targets,” says Emiel Knarren, Chief Commercial Officer at ELP. Volker Kohl adds: “It is essential for our company that decisions are made quickly and by mutual agreement. Our experience with European Loc Pool to date leads us to expect many years of good cooperation.” 

The partnership with FRACHTbahn is an important step for European Loc Pool to promote sustainable and innovative transport solutions in rail freight transport in Austria. The handover of the two EuroDuals to FRACHTbahn is planned for the end of 2024. 

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 FRACHTbahn 

FRACHTbahn Traktion GmbH, founded in October 2019, quickly established itself as a high-quality, reliable provider of traction services for rail transport across Europe. Our journey from a start-up to a key player in Central European rail transport services has been a rapid and successful one. With a focus on serving industries, trade, and consumers across Europe, we take pride in delivering environmentally friendly rail solutions, week after week. 

FRACHTbahn Traktion GmbH is a dynamic and reliable partner for efficient freight transportation in the heart of Europe. We are characterized by fresh perspectives and unparalleled flexibility and customer satisfaction in the field of rail freight transport. 

This requires people. Teams that are passionate about our goals. Our employees are our DNA – flexible and ambitious, only satisfied when the solution is in place. Every day. 24/7. 

For more information, please visit our website or follow us on LinkedIn or Facebook 

Press contact FRACHTbahn 

Manuel Heindl 
Email: manuel.heindl@frachtbahn.eu