News and Insights

HHPI Signs for 9th EuroDual from ELP – Powerful Partnership Continues

Erfurt / Frauenfeld, 30 April 2025

Heavy Haul Power International GmbH (HHPI) and European Loc Pool (ELP) are
continuing their long-standing partnership. With the signing of a new leasing agreement
for another EuroDual locomotive, HHPI’s fleet will grow to a total of nine powerful
machines from ELP. This marks another consistent step for a company that has focused
on strength, efficiency, and reliability in rail freight transport since its founding.

Where HHPI once relied on heavy diesel locomotives like the Class 66, today the company
prioritizes efficiency and flexibility, consistently shifting its transport operations to a more
sustainable rail-based model. The EuroDual locomotive has established itself as an
indispensable backbone for HHPI’s block train operations. Its unique combination of up to
6.2 megawatts of electric power and 2.8 megawatts of diesel power for non-electrified
sections enables a tractive effort of 500 kilonewtons in both electric and diesel modes,
allowing the company to move even the heaviest loads efficiently and flexibly. HHPI offers
block train solutions in which locomotive and wagon sets operate as a fixed system. The
EuroDual fits seamlessly into this concept, creating independence from additional
shunting or route locomotives.

“The EuroDual impresses us every day. Its performance both across the network and on
main corridors is outstanding and gives us operational security. At the same time, it
supports our strategy of largely phasing out pure diesel operations in the future,” explains
Thomas Schöfbauer, Managing Director of HHPI. “With this ninth locomotive, we are
preparing for further growth and the increasing demands of our customers.”

The EuroDuals are primarily used by HHPI on key heavy freight corridors in Germany and
beyond. Thanks to their high tractive power and operational versatility, HHPI can also
handle demanding logistics tasks on partially electrified routes without compromising on
economic efficiency. This capability is made possible by the dual drive – a true unique
selling point in the market.

“Tractive power, sustainability, and energy efficiency are not separate factors for us, but
closely intertwined. For us, the EuroDual stands as a synonym for these values. Its
flexibility is the decisive building block for a sustainable logistics model,” Schöfbauer adds.
“The decision for another locomotive was easy because we know the reliability and quality
from years of experience.”

Thanks to European Loc Pool’s full-service leasing model, HHPI not only gains access to
cutting-edge technology but also benefits from a comprehensive service package. All
maintenance and servicing activities are fully covered, allowing HHPI to focus entirely on
its core business. The collaboration is characterized by trust, technical expertise, and a
shared commitment to innovation.

“We know what we have in ELP. The locomotives fully meet our requirements, and the
collaboration is always on an equal footing. This is exactly how modern leasing should
work,” Schöfbauer summarizes.

Willem Goosen, CEO of European Loc Pool, is pleased with the continued trust: “HHPI
was one of our first customers and remains a close partner to this day. Their decision to
opt for another EuroDual underlines the long-term success of our collaboration. We look
forward to achieving many more milestones together.”

With the addition of its ninth EuroDual, HHPI once again proves that it is one of the pace
setters in heavy rail freight. The combination of technical excellence, a clear strategy, and
strong partnerships makes the company a role model for modern rail freight logistics in
Europe. The locomotive will be delivered to HHPI in September this year.

More About HHPI
Heavy Haul Power International GmbH (HHPI) is one of the leading private rail freight
operators in Germany. Founded in 1999, HHPI focuses on medium- and long-term
projects for the transportation of bulk goods such as construction materials, wood and
wood products, as well as all kinds of hazardous goods. Together with its customers, HHPI
develops tailored transport solutions that stand out for their productivity, highest reliability,
and the use of state-of-the-art equipment. HHPI not only offers attractive freight rates for
its customers but also places great emphasis on providing good working conditions for its
employees and maintaining a sustainable overall corporate direction.

More About the Hybrid Locomotives
European Loc Pool specializes in innovative six-axle hybrid locomotives with up to 2.8
MW diesel power, 9 MW electric power, and 500 kN tractive effort.
All vehicles are equipped as standard with ETCS Baseline 3 for operation on category 2
tracks. The first ELP EuroDual locomotives have been operating on the German rail
network since April 2020. They enable operations on both electrified and non-electrified
tracks as well as last-mile and shunting operations. All dual locomotives are equipped with
remote-control systems.
From mid-2023, the second generation of ELP’s dual locomotives, the Euro9000, has
been deployed as a hybrid multisystem electric locomotive across all European corridors.
As a launch customer, European Loc Pool ordered the first ten Euro9000 locomotives
from Stadler in May 2019. The first version, with 1.9 MW diesel power and 9 MW electric
power with 500 kN tractive effort, is being used in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands,
Italy, Belgium, and Switzerland. Subsequently, the area of operation for the locomotive
will be expanded to additional countries and corridors.

About European Loc Pool AG
European Loc Pool (ELP) is a leading provider of innovative leasing and maintenance
services for locomotives, headquartered in Frauenfeld, Switzerland. The full-service
leasing packages include modern six-axle hybrid locomotives that can be tailored to
customers’ specific needs. Since its founding in May 2018, ELP has served over 30
operators in five countries.
ELP is committed to sustainability, employing advanced technologies to reduce
environmental impact while enhancing operational performance. The experienced ELP
team places great value on safety, reliability, and cost efficiency, aiming to exceed
customer expectations.

Press Contact ELP
Morena Di Nardo
Marketing & Communications
Email: morena.dinardo@europeanlocpool.com