Siemens to deliver 100 locomotives to DB Cargo

German company Siemens has signed a framework agreement for the delivery of 100 locomotives to Deutsche Bahn's rail freight business DB Cargo.

Deutsche Bahn's freight transport arm will buy 60 Vectron multisystem trains upon the closing of the contract.

The locomotives are set to operate on the Rhine-Alpine-Corridor and delivery is expected to begin at the end of this year.

The trains will also operate in Belgium from 2020, and will be equipped with the European Train Control System (ETCS).

Siemens Mobility Division CEO Jochen Eickholt said: “With this order, DB Cargo is investing in the future of freight transport by rail. The ordered multisystem locomotives will make it possible to operate a train from the Netherlands to Italy without changing locomotives.

“This will make European freight transport fast, efficient and environmentally friendly.”

The locomotives are capable of attaining a top speed of 160km/h with a maximum output of 6.4MW.

Siemens will manufacture the vehicles at its plant in Munich-Allach, Germany.

DB Cargo CEO Dr Jürgen Wilder said: “The order for the multisystem locomotives marks a further milestone in the programme to expand and modernise our European locomotive fleet that has been underway for four years.

“At the same time, this product is a key component in our growth strategy for interoperable European rail freight transport.

“By working together with Siemens in this project, we hope to have established a partnership that will decisively support our ambitions for vehicles with respect to our rail freight transport master plan.”

Siemens also recently completed the sale of its 500th electric Vectron locomotive, which can be used in both freight and passenger service applications.

Vectron trains currently operate in several European countries, including Austria, the Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey.