This development expands its operational scope beyond Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, where it is already authorised. The EURO9000 is also anticipated to gain operating approval in Italy in 2024.
Designed for international routes along main European railway corridors, the EURO9000 is an interoperable locomotive. It adheres to the technical specifications for interoperability (TSI) and is equipped with various country-specific packages. These include conventional automatic train protection systems and the European Train Control System (ETCS), facilitating smooth cross-border operations. The EURO9000's basic configuration is compatible with Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, the Netherlands, and Belgium. Over the past two years, two prototypes have been rigorously tested in Belgium and the Netherlands.
The locomotive was developed to meet the evolving demands of rail freight transport, offering a more powerful and versatile solution for cross-border transportation. The EURO9000 has been operational in Germany and Austria since March 2023, and it received type approval for operation in Switzerland on November 2. The recent approvals in Belgium and the Netherlands mark a significant milestone for Stadler, showcasing the EURO9000's reliability and performance on an international level.
Iñigo Parra, Executive Vice President of Stadler Division Spain, commented on the development, highlighting the challenges of European rail network interoperability and the EU's push to increase rail freight transport. He noted that these factors motivated Stadler to create the EURO9000, reflecting the company's commitment and leadership in advancing rail freight transport.
