In 2019, VR Group has ordered 60 high-cab, low-emission diesel locomotives from Stadler’s plant in Valencia. The contract included an option for 100 more locomotives. In 2022, the first units were delivered to Finland and VR started an extensive testing program. So far, five locomotives have been delivered.
On 3 May 2023, the first commercial train powered by one of these new diesel locomotives departed from Kemi to Kolari, meaning that the locomotives’ ownership has been officially transferred from Stadler Rail Valencia to VR Group. With double the tractive effort when compared to previously used Dr16 locomotives, Dr19s will enable pulling heavier trains on tracks with no catenary (over 50% of the Finnish network), such as the roundwood traffic to Kolari.
The delivery of all sixty DR19 locomotives from Stadler is scheduled for the end of 2026.
