Akiem, has confirmed the purchase of ten additional Vectron Dual Mode (VDM) locomotives from Siemens Mobility, following the framework contract for 50 units signed in June 2025.
The investment forms part of Akiem’s wider fleet modernisation strategy, designed to accelerate the modal shift to rail while reducing operational emissions.
The Vectron Dual Mode locomotives combine the flexibility of diesel and electric traction, enabling seamless transition between both power modes. This makes them particularly well-suited for cross-border freight and passenger services operating on routes where electrification is partial or intermittent.
Replacing conventional diesel units, the new locomotives will help Akiem’s customers achieve lower operating costs, greater reliability, and a smaller carbon footprint.
Serving Central and Eastern Europe
The ten additional locomotives will be delivered in configurations approved for operation in Germany and Austria, with extended compatibility for Central and Eastern European corridors, including the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria.
This flexibility will enable operators to optimise cross-border services across key freight and passenger routes in the region.
High performance and advanced safety
With a modular architecture, the Vectron Dual Mode offers up to 2.4 MW in electric mode and 2 MW in diesel mode, delivering powerful performance under a range of network conditions.
Each unit is equipped with ERTMS and national signalling systems, ensuring compliance with the latest European interoperability standards. The design’s ability to operate without load breaks, along with its low maintenance requirements, further enhances operational efficiency.
Akiem describes the VDM as a “benchmark for modern traction,” offering both technical versatility and economic advantage for leasing customers across Europe.
Partnership and customer success
Commenting on the new order, Fabien Rochefort, CEO of Akiem, said:
“Our Dual Mode offering has been a real success with our customers since last June. This confirms our strategy and the quality of our partnership with Siemens. With this new option exercise, we intend to expand our offering and build the services our customers need.”
The Vectron Dual Mode platform has become a central part of Siemens Mobility’s strategy to support Europe’s decarbonisation objectives by providing efficient alternatives to diesel traction.
The locomotives are scheduled for delivery from 2026 onwards, joining one of Europe’s largest and most diverse leasing portfolios — serving more than 80 operators across 21 countries.
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