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
BELog Expands Fleet with Fourth EuroDual – Boosting Performance, Flexibility, and Sustainability
Keltern / Frauenfeld, 06 May 2025 BELog Baustoffe-Entsorgung-Logistik GmbH & Co. KG and European Loc Pool (ELP) are taking their strong partnership to the next level. By signing a new leasing contract for a fourth EuroDual locomotive, BELog reaffirms its trust in ELP’s technology and service offering. This decision reflects a clear strategic focus on efficiency, reliability, and future-proof transport solutions. Over the past years, the EuroDual has proven to be the powerful backbone of BELog’s transport fleet. With an electric output of 6.2 megawatts, a robust diesel engine, and a tractive effort of 500 kilonewtons, it meets the highest demands in the construction material and waste logistics sectors. The locomotive excels not only on main lines but especially in areas with weak infrastructure and on non-electrified routes. “We have once again chosen the EuroDual because it consistently demonstrates its strengths in our day-to-day operations,” explains Timo Pape, Managing Director of BELog. “Compared to our older vehicles, it is significantly more reliable and requires less maintenance. This increases the availability of our transport services and boosts customer satisfaction.” A key advantage for BELog is the EuroDual’s ability to seamlessly switch between electric and diesel operation. This enables access to loading and unloading points without overhead lines – eliminating the need for additional shunting locomotives or external service providers. As such, the EuroDual serves as a true all-round solution for companies with complex logistics requirements. “The flexibility of this locomotive is a key element of our success,” Pape adds. “It allows us to operate efficiently and independently – even in remote regions, on heavily trafficked routes, or during infrastructure-related detours.” The fourth EuroDual will primarily operate on routes between Central and Southern Germany, including destinations such as Stuttgart and Heidenheim. There, it will transport heavy construction materials on high-traffic lines, maximizing tractive effort while minimizing energy consumption. The dual-mode technology significantly reduces diesel usage and CO₂ emissions compared to conventional diesel locomotives. “The EuroDual enables us to transport up to 35% more freight compared to traditional locomotives. This translates to approximately 840 tonnes of additional capacity – or the equivalent of about 30 fewer truck journeys,” Pape explains. “These figures speak for themselves and show how modern rail technology contributes to easing the burden on road infrastructure.” Through its full-service leasing models, ELP not only delivers technical excellence but also fosters a partnership based on mutual trust. Maintenance, servicing, and availability are fully covered by ELP, allowing BELog to focus on its core business. Willem Goosen, CEO of ELP, is delighted by BELog’s continued trust: “BELog is a prime example of the smart application of modern traction solutions. Their decision to once again choose the EuroDual is both confirmation and motivation for us. We look forward to continuing our work together toward a sustainable future for rail freight transport.” By adding a fourth EuroDual to its fleet, BELog demonstrates that progress and sustainability in rail freight transport are not mutually exclusive. Together with ELP, the company will continue to set benchmarks for efficient, flexible, and resource-saving transport solutions in Germany and beyond. Delivery of the new locomotive is scheduled for October this year. About SCHWENK/BELogBELog is the transport division of SCHWENK. Founded in 1847 in Ulm, SCHWENK is one of the oldest family-owned companies in the German construction materials industry. Its core business is divided into four segments: cement, sand & gravel, concrete, and concrete pumps. The basic materials for SCHWENK’s construction products – limestone, crushed stone, sand, and gravel – are typically sourced from their own deposits and extraction sites. Together, they form the foundation for concrete production. Combined with their in-house concrete pumping services and high-quality consulting, SCHWENK offers a comprehensive range of services for its customers. SCHWENK is active both nationally and internationally, with numerous subsidiaries and associated companies across various sectors, including construction materials, research institutions, and agricultural enterprises. About Hybrid LocomotivesEuropean Loc Pool specializes in innovative six-axle hybrid locomotives with a performance of up to 2.8 MW in diesel mode, 9 MW in electric mode, and a tractive effort of 500 kN. All locomotives come standard with ETCS Baseline 3 for operation on Category 2 lines. The first ELP EuroDual locomotives have been operating on the German rail network since April 2020. They enable seamless operation on electrified and non-electrified routes, including last-mile and shunting operations. All dual locomotives are equipped with remote-control capability. Starting in mid-2023, the second generation of ELP’s dual locomotives, the Euro9000, will be deployed across all European corridors as hybrid multi-system electric locomotives. European Loc Pool ordered the first ten Euro9000 locomotives from Stadler in May 2019 as the launch customer. The first version, with 1.9 MW diesel and 9 MW electric power at 500 kN tractive effort, will be used in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, and Switzerland, with subsequent expansion to additional countries and corridors. About European Loc Pool AGEuropean Loc Pool (ELP) is a leading provider of innovative locomotive leasing and maintenance services, based in Frauenfeld, Switzerland. Its full-service leasing packages feature state-of-the-art six-axle hybrid locomotives that can be customized to meet the specific needs of its customers. Since its founding in May 2018, ELP has served over 30 operators across five countries. ELP is committed to sustainability, employing advanced technologies to reduce environmental impact while enhancing operational performance. The experienced ELP team places a strong emphasis on safety, reliability, and cost-efficiency to exceed customer expectations. For more information, please visit our webseite or follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram. Press Contact ELPMorena Di NardoMarketing & CommunicationsEmail: morena.dinardo@europeanlocpool.com Press Contact BELogTimo PapeGeschaftsführungE-mail: timo.pape@schwenk.com
European Loc Pool in the press
