PKP CARGO INTERNATIONAL, a member of Europe’s logistics operator, the PKP CARGO Group, recently commenced trial operation of the Siemens Vectron Dual Mode locomotive. The locomotive was acquired from Siemens Mobility and is being tested to assess its potential for future transport and customer requirements.
The Siemens Vectron Dual Mode locomotive, bearing the international designation 90 80 2248 019-2 variant G06, boasts impressive specifications, including a 15kV/16.7 Kz AC electric system and a diesel with an internal combustion engine output of 2,400 kW. Currently approved for operation in Germany, PKP CARGO INTERNATIONAL is among the select few carriers in the Czech Republic to directly test this locomotive on their operations.
To ensure smooth operation, several PKP CARGO INTERNATIONAL drivers underwent necessary training at the VUZ Velim test centre, ultimately receiving certification and authorization to operate the locomotive. Despite certain operational restrictions during the trial, the company efficiently maximized the locomotive's potential on both its own siding operations and diesel traction on SŽ lines.
"PKP CARGO INTERNATIONAL perceives the flexibility of this locomotive as a great benefit in view of the requirements of customers and the infrastructure itself, especially its electrification and the possibility of using it also to last mile destination stations. By modernizing our rolling stock throughout the PKP CARGO Group, we strive to offer our customers increasingly comprehensive services in the field of rail and intermodal transport," said Dariusz Seliga, Chairman of the Board of PKP CARGO INTERNATIONAL.
Looking ahead, Siemens Mobility is actively exploring the possibility of launching a variant of the Vectron Dual Mode G15 locomotive. This variant would encompass diesel and 15 kV/16.7 Hz electric traction systems for Germany and Austria, while also expanding its operation capabilities to the 25 kV/50Hz system approved for freight and passenger transport in the Czech and Slovak Republics.
