These locomotives will operate on routes connecting France with several European countries, following two agreements that could see the acquisition of up to 110 Traxx MS3 units, 65 of which are confirmed orders. A commercial agreement reached on March 15th details the certification testing and forthcoming delivery of the first three Alstom Traxx MS3 prototypes. These prototypes are designed to be operational across networks in Italy, France, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Specifically, two of the locomotives are designated for the DACH-I-FR corridors, while the third is intended for the DACH-I-FR-NL-B corridors.
The introduction of the three prototypes, all bearing the Akiem brand, is aimed at meeting the requirements of rail operators for a solution that is both effective and high-performing.
Akiem's initiative is part of a broader effort to contribute to the rail sector in France and Europe at large. The company will be the first to own locomotives capable of traversing the complete corridor from Belgium to Italy, including passages along both sides of the Rhine River. This move is part of Akiem's strategy to support the growth and modernization of the rail freight industry by investing in rail corridors that connect France with a number of other European nations. These efforts aim to introduce new routes and encourage a shift towards rail transportation across Europe.
