European Loc Pool (ELP) has expanded its initial framework agreement from 100 to a total of 114 6-axle Co’Co’ hybrid locomotives. The first 101 locomotives from this agreement are now operational on full-service leases, serving over 30 customers in six European countries. ELP notes that some of its existing customers have increased their fleet with additional ELP locomotives.
The EuroDual locomotives, part of this order, are recognized for their tractive effort of 500kN and increased load capacity. These locomotives are designed for high operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness due to their reliability and extended maintenance intervals. The delivery of these new EuroDual locomotives is scheduled for 2025 and 2026, which will increase ELP's total fleet to 114 locomotives, including 84 EuroDual and 30 Euro9000s.
The EuroDuals are to be homologated for Germany and Austria, with pending approval in Slovenia and Croatia following recent approval in Serbia. ELP plans to offer a special corridor package for these locomotives, covering Slovenia, Croatia, and Serbia, thus creating a corridor from the northern German ports to the Adriatic ports. This option will also be available for the existing ELP EuroDual fleet.
Currently, 64 Stadler EuroDual locomotives from ELP are operational, with the majority in Germany and Austria and a few in Scandinavia. Additionally, 7 Euro9000 locomotives are in service in several European countries, with more scheduled for commissioning and delivery this year.
ELP's focus is on six-axle hybrid locomotives, which offer up to 2.8 MW of power in diesel mode and 9 MW in electric mode, with a tractive force of 500 kN. All vehicles are equipped with ETCS-Baseline 3 for Level 2 track operation. The first EuroDual locomotives have been operational in Germany since April 2020, suitable for electrified and non-electrified lines, including last-mile and shunting operations. The second generation, the Euro9000, began service in mid-2023 as a hybrid multi-system electric locomotive for European corridors. The Euro9000, ordered by ELP from Stadler, offers 1.9 MW of diesel and 9 MW of electric power at 500 kN tractive effort, initially operational in several European countries, with plans for expanded operation in additional countries and corridors.
Read also: An exclusive interview with Willem Goosen, CEO of ELP for Railmarket News.
