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
Raildox adopts Euro9000 for the first time, expanding international freight operations with a high-performance multi-system locomotive
Erfurt / Frauenfeld, 27.03.2026 Raildox and European Loc Pool (ELP) are expanding their collaboration with the order of a Euro9000 multi-system locomotive. By adding the Euro9000 to its fleet, Raildox is adopting ELP’s “next generation” hybrid locomotive for the first time, laying the foundation for further expansion of its international freight operations. The decision to invest in the Euro9000 is part of the company’s strategic development. Raildox operates demanding cross-border freight services across Europe and requires powerful locomotives that can be deployed flexibly across different rail networks.With 9 MW of electric power, 2 × 950 kW diesel engines and a tractive effort of 500 kN, the Euro9000 is the most powerful multi-system locomotive in European rail freight. It enables operation under different power systems as well as on non-electrified routes, making it ideally suited for complex international transport chains.“For Raildox, the key factors were the high performance, multi-system capability and cross-border operability of the Euro9000,” explains Frank Rudolf, Managing Director of Raildox. “As a railway undertaking focused on international freight transport, we require locomotives that can operate flexibly across various European networks.”At Raildox, the Euro9000 will primarily be used for international freight transport, including timber, fertilizers, grain, chemical products and mineral oil. Thanks to its high tractive effort and the ability to operate on non-electrified routes, the locomotive opens up new operational possibilities.“The Euro9000 offers significant advantages in international rail freight, as it covers multiple power systems while also featuring a powerful diesel module,” Frank Rudolf continues. “This allows for more efficient operations, reduces the need for locomotive changes and enables seamless service on last-mile routes without overhead lines.”Looking ahead, the Euro9000 will also play an important role in Raildox’s international expansion. The company plans to further develop its operations towards Eastern Europe and expects additional deployment opportunities. In addition to the technical capabilities, Raildox also highlights the collaboration with European Loc Pool.“In our cooperation with ELP, we particularly value the high level of technical expertise, the reliability of the locomotives and the partnership-based, solution-oriented approach,” says Frank Rudolf. “For us, it is essential to work with partners who understand the requirements of international rail freight and can offer flexible solutions.” With the Euro9000, Raildox is expanding its fleet with a modern multi-system locomotive specifically designed for cross-border rail freight in Europe. The combination of high performance, flexibility and operational efficiency creates the foundation for further growth and reliable transport solutions on international corridors. The delivery of the first Euro9000 to Raildox took place at the end of March 2026. About Raildox Raildox is a Europe-wide railway undertaking with a focus on international freight transport. Since its founding in 2007, the company has developed into an established provider of rail logistics solutions.Through investments in modern technology, infrastructure and sustainable transport solutions, Raildox provides reliable and efficient logistics services for various industries, including timber, agricultural products, chemicals and mineral oil. With an experienced team and strong operational expertise, Raildox stands for innovation, reliability and environmentally friendly rail freight. About hybrid locomotives European Loc Pool (ELP) focuses on innovative six-axle hybrid locomotives from Stadler, setting new standards in European rail freight. The EuroDual and Euro9000 locomotives are transforming the industry through their combination of electric and diesel operation, enabling seamless last-mile and shunting operations.The Euro9000 is the new hybrid multi-system locomotive for Europe-wide deployment. It offers a tractive effort of up to 500 kN, with 1.9 MW of power in diesel mode and up to 9 MW in electric operation. The Euro9000 platform is a further development of Stadler’s successful EuroDual and Euro4000 locomotive families. About European Loc Pool AG European Loc Pool (ELP) is a leading provider of innovative locomotive leasing and maintenance services, headquartered in Frauenfeld, Switzerland. Its full-service leasing packages include modern six-axle hybrid locomotives tailored to customer needs. Since its founding in May 2018, ELP has served more than 33 operators across five countries.ELP is committed to sustainability and leverages advanced technologies to reduce environmental impact while enhancing operational performance. The experienced ELP team places strong emphasis on safety, reliability and cost efficiency to exceed customer expectations. For more information, please visit our Webseite or follow us onf LinkedIn and Instagram. Press contact:Morena Di NardoMarketing & CommunicationsE-mail: morena.dinardo@europeanlocpool.com
European Loc Pool in the press
