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
BBL Logistik Signs for Two More Euro9000 Locomotives – A Milestone in a Successful Partnership
Hanover / Frauenfeld, 25 April 2025 BBL Logistik GmbH and European Loc Pool (ELP) are continuing their successful collaboration and strategically expanding their fleet. With the signing of a new leasing agreement for two additional Euro9000 locomotives, BBL reaches another milestone: the fleet now includes a total of nine locomotives from ELP (five EuroDual and now four Euro9000 locomotives). This makes the company not only one of ELP’s most loyal but also one of its largest customers. The decision underscores the joint ambition to make rail freight in Europe more efficient, sustainable, and high-performing. The Euro9000 is the flagship among modern six-axle hybrid locomotives, combining maximum traction power with ultimate flexibility. With an electric power output of 9 megawatts, an additional diesel engine providing up to 1.9 megawatts, and an impressive tractive effort of 500 kilonewtons, it is ideally suited for cross-border operations along challenging European corridors. “We are once again opting for the Euro9000 because it sets new standards in terms of traction, flexibility, and efficiency,” says Jens Ziese, Managing Director of BBL Logistik GmbH. “With the EuroDual, we have already achieved excellent results on both electrified and non-electrified routes. The Euro9000 takes it a step further with its multisystem capabilities. This performance is a true gamechanger, especially for our complex construction train operations.” The new locomotives will be deployed primarily in heavy railway construction transport, particularly for supplying non-electrified construction sites, where reliable traction and a strong dual power system are critical. Thanks to the seamless combination of high-performance electric traction and a powerful diesel engine, non-electrified route sections can be operated just as efficiently as main lines. This is especially important for BBL, whose core business includes logistics for construction sites and the supply and removal of materials for railway construction projects. “For us, sustainability, energy efficiency, and operational flexibility are not just buzzwords but daily requirements,” adds Thomas Gritzka, also Managing Director at BBL.“ The Euro9000 brings all of this together in one machine and perfectly aligns with our strategy. High tractive power was a key decision-making factor for us – but also the ability to operate internationally without switching traction types.” European Loc Pool’s full-service leasing model not only delivers state-of-the-art locomotives but also includes complete maintenance and support throughout the lease term. For BBL, this translates into maximum availability, high planning reliability, and predictable cost structures – all decisive factors in a dynamic logistics market. “We expect reliability, innovation, and a deep understanding of our needs from a leasing partner – and that’s exactly what ELP delivers,” Ziese continues. “The partnership-based communication, technical support, and long-term orientation of our collaboration are invaluable to us.” Emiel Knarren, Chief Commercial Officer at ELP, emphasizes: “BBL is a partner who shares our vision – powerful, future-proof solutions for rail freight transport. The decision to opt for two more Euro9000 locomotives confirms their trust in our concept and motivates us to continue offering the best solutions for our customers. We are proud to walk this path together.” With the deployment of the Euro9000, BBL once again proves to be an innovation leader in the industry. Together with ELP, they are actively shaping the transformation of European rail freight – with foresight, responsibility, and technical excellence. The locomotives will be delivered to the company in May 2025. About BBLBBL Logistik GmbH is a nationwide rail transport company headquartered in Hanover, with branches in Hersbruck, Frankfurt/Main, Mülheim, Ludwigshafen, Lübeck, and a maintenance facility in Oebisfelde. The company specializes in the logistical supply and removal for railway construction sites, construction site logistics, and the transport of track construction materials, construction machinery, and various other goods. About the Euro9000 LocomotivesThe Euro9000 is the latest locomotive from Stadler Rail Valencia. This multi-system “next generation” locomotive is by far the most powerful in the European market. With a tractive effort of 500kN, 9MW of electric power, and 2 x 950kW diesel engines (compliant with the current Stage V emission standard and operable with HVO diesel for CO₂-neutral operation), it hauls the heaviest loads on both electrified and non-electrified routes – all with an axle load of just 20 tons. ELP’s Euro9000 comes equipped not only with the standard configuration but also with radio remote control, side-driving controls (on both sides in each cab), 3kV DC boost mode (up to 7.7MW at the wheel), and electronic door locking. Initially, the Euro9000 is designed for the DACHINLB corridor, with further European corridors in the planning stage. About European Loc Pool AGEuropean Loc Pool (ELP) is a leading provider of innovative locomotive leasing and maintenance services, based in Frauenfeld, Switzerland. The full-service leasing packages include modern six-axle hybrid locomotives, customizable to meet the specific needs of customers. Since its founding in May 2018, ELP has served over 30 operators across five countries. ELP is committed to sustainability and leverages advanced technologies to reduce environmental impact while improving operational performance. The experienced ELP team places great 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
European Loc Pool in the press
