ÖBB Rail Cargo Group (RCG) has officially expanded its fleet of hybrid locomotives with the delivery of a third EURODUAL from European Loc Pool (ELP), further strengthening its TransFLEX ad-hoc rail services in Germany. The locomotive was unveiled at a naming ceremony during the transport logistic trade fair in Munich.
The six-axle RCG EURODUAL locomotives, manufactured by Stadler, combine the environmental advantages of electric traction with the flexibility of a powerful diesel engine. This dual-mode capability enables seamless freight transport across both electrified and non-electrified lines, particularly beneficial for accessing company sidings, which are typically not electrified. The locomotives eliminate the need for additional shunting, ensuring a continuous logistics chain directly to customer facilities.
“With the perfect equipment, we are bringing even more TransFLEX transports in Germany onto the rails,” said Clemens Först, CEO of ÖBB Rail Cargo Group. “Together with our partner ELP, we were able to convince numerous customers last year of our flexible offering. This third EURODUAL locomotive enables even more sustainable ad-hoc services for all sectors—from mineral oil to automotive.”
Willem Goosen, CEO of European Loc Pool, added: “We founded ELP seven years ago with the goal of positively disrupting the rail leasing market with our ‘Passion for Traction’. Since 2022, RCG has shown that this disruptive approach also works operationally. Together, we’re delivering excellent results: 1 + 1 = 3.”
Launched in 2022 as a pilot project with just two locomotives, TransFLEX has grown significantly. RCG’s fleet now includes 20 locomotives, and the service has developed into a key component of the company’s German logistics portfolio.
In 2024 alone, TransFLEX trains covered 1.87 million kilometres and transported 2.25 million net tonnes of freight. This expansion of routes and capacity underscores the product’s growing market relevance. TransFLEX also earned recognition for its environmental benefits: each rail transport contributes directly to reducing CO₂ emissions and supports corporate climate goals.
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