Frauenfeld, Switzerland, January, 10, 2024
European Loc Pool (ELP), a leading provider of innovative locomotive leasing services based in Switzerland, is proud to announce a major milestone: the signing of the 100th locomotive on a long-term full-service lease at the end of 2023. This achievement comes as ELP, a company with a five-year history in the European Rail Freight Industry, continues to push the boundaries with big ambitions to positively disrupt the market.
European Loc Pool has made a significant impact by offering exclusively 6-axle hybrid locomotives with the Euro9000 and the EuroDual, challenging industry norms and introducing powerful alternatives to traditional models.
“Our vision is to positively disrupt the European Rail Freight Industry – and we are rapidly and successfully doing it!”, states Willem Goosen, CEO of European Loc Pool. “With a team of now just 12 people, we have 100 locomotives on long-term full-service lease contracts, within just 5 years. That’s an awesome achievement and clearly the right business strategy.”
The success is based on offering modern 6-axle hybrid locomotives. The industry sceptics have been proven wrong as ELP surpasses expectations with 114 locomotives already ordered, 14 months ahead of its plans, and additional locomotives expected to be ordered in the coming weeks.
The EuroDual, the first locomotive in European Loc Pool’s portfolio, is successfully operating in Germany, Austria, and Scandinavia. It has just been homologated in Serbia, and the Slovenian and Croatian homologations are expected in Q1 2024.
The Euro9000, the “next-generation” locomotive has gained operational clearance in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Netherlands and Belgium, with approval pending for Italy. Efforts are ongoing to adapt the Euro9000 for Eastern Europe’s C4 lines, leveraging its lower axle loads compared to competitor-types. Approvals have been secured for transit through Bratislava, Hegyeshalom, and Břeclav border stations, with Poland and Slovenia currently in progress.
European Loc Pool sets new standards in rail freight with its innovative six-axle corridor locomotives. The EuroDual and Euro9000, with their electric- and diesel functions, provide seamless terminal-to-terminal service. ELP’s customers now offer integrated door-to-door solutions for the heaviest of trains, potentially utilizing remote control with a single driver. This marks a new era in efficiency, flexibility and productivity for the industry.
Looking ahead, ELP’s next significant goal is to have two hundred locomotives on order by the end of 2026 – a target moved forward from 2028, reflecting the company’s accelerated growth and the strong case for choosing the right six-axle locomotives.
European Loc Pool is setting a new standard for Rail Freight in Europe.
More about Hybrid Locomotives
European Loc Pool (ELP) focuses on innovative six-axle hybrid locomotives with a power output of up to 2.8 MW in diesel mode, 9 MW in electric mode, and a traction force of 500 kN. All vehicles come equipped with ETCS-Baseline 3 as standard for operation on Level 2 tracks. The first ELP EuroDual locomotives have been in operation on the German rail network since April 2020. They enable operation on electrified and non-electrified lines, as well as last-mile and shunting operations. All Dual locomotives are equipped with remote control.
From mid-2023, the second generation of ELP’s dual locomotives, the Euro9000, were put into service as a hybrid multi-system electric locomotive designed for use in all European corridors. As the “launching customer,” European Loc Pool ordered the first ten Euro9000 locomotives from Stadler in May 2019. The first version with 1.9 MW of diesel and 9 MW of electric power at 500 kN tractive effort will be used in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands,
Italy, Belgium, and Switzerland. Subsequently, the locomotive’s area of operation will be expanded to other countries and corridors.
About European Loc Pool AG
Founded in May 2018 and headquartered in Frauenfeld, Switzerland, European Loc Pool (ELP) is a dynamic force in the locomotive leasing sector, known for its innovative and creative approach. ELP ordered the first EuroDual locomotives in the third quarter of 2018. Since then, ELP has signed a framework agreement with Stadler for at least 100 Co’Co’ hybrid locomotives.
From this agreement, 100 locomotives have already been leased under long-term full-service contracts with more than 30 operators in six countries. ELP has more than 70 locomotives in operation in 7 different countries. European Loc Pool aims to serve rail operators and logistics companies across Europe with focus on new innovative six-axle hybrid locomotives.
European Loc Pool’s comprehensive full-service leasing package includes the maintenance and insurance as well as the unique option for clients to customize the exterior of their locomotives. ELP is committed to sustainability and utilise advanced technology to reduce their environmental impact while improving operational performance. ELP’s experienced team of professionals prioritises safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness 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
