Akiem and Lineas have announced a renewed multi-year partnership, reinforcing their long-standing collaboration aimed at supporting modal shift from road to rail freight across Europe. The new leasing contracts, effective until 2030, cover the continued use of Alstom’s Prima locomotives, both electric and diesel models.
The renewed agreement builds on a 15-year relationship between the two companies and reflects their shared commitment to reducing carbon emissions and easing congestion through rail-based freight solutions. Under the new terms, Lineas will increase the number of locomotives it leases from Akiem from 32 to 39 units, including Prima BB27000, BB37000, and BB75000 locomotives.
Supporting a greener freight Network
Rail freight is widely recognised as a more sustainable alternative to road transport, which currently contributes around 10% of Europe’s CO₂ emissions and 13% of France’s, according to figures from ADEME. As freight volumes in Europe are projected to rise by 30% by 2030, the pressure to shift from road to rail has become more urgent.
Lineas, Europe’s largest private rail freight operator, places modal shift at the core of its operations. With a broad rail network and daily services across the continent, Lineas offers fast, reliable, and environmentally friendly freight solutions. The continued leasing of Akiem’s locomotives supports this mission by enabling both electrified and non-electrified freight operations.
Akiem’s fleet, comprising over 750 locomotives, offers operators flexible, interoperable traction options across various European rail networks. All leased units are maintained to meet national regulatory standards and infrastructure requirements, providing assurance in performance and safety.
Expanding the locomotive fleet
In 2024, Lineas operated 32 Prima locomotives supplied by Akiem across the French network. This included electric models (BB27000 and BB37000) as well as the diesel-powered BB75000, which plays a crucial role in accessing non-electrified routes. The diesel version supports modal shift in areas not served by overhead lines, achieving energy savings of up to six times compared to road haulage.
In 2025, the fleet will grow to 39 locomotives as part of the newly signed four-year agreement, enhancing Lineas’s ability to serve additional freight corridors.
“We are extremely honoured by this new contract with Lineas, which continues and develops a partnership that began nearly 15 years ago. We intend to provide Lineas with ever-improving service in terms of cost, reliability, flexibility, and safety. Our offer is based on our fleet of Prima Alstom locomotives, in which we have invested heavily with a major overhaul programme and a new maintenance system. With Lineas, we are consolidating our position as industry leader and helping to strengthen the competitiveness of rail in the freight transport sector,” Fabien Rochefort, CEO of Akiem, said.
“We are very pleased to continue our collaboration with the Akiem teams. This renewal demonstrates the confidence we have in their expertise and the quality of their services. We are able to offer our customers increasingly efficient and competitive rail freight solutions. We are convinced that the collaboration with Akiem will enable us to accelerate our development and strengthen our position in the freight transport market,” Erik Van Ockenburg, CEO of Lineas, added.
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