Akiem has signed a major leasing contract with German regional rail operator ODEG for 14 Stadler Akku Flirt 3L battery-electric trains, further expanding its presence in the European passenger rolling stock market.
The EUR 100 million agreement marks a significant step in the decarbonisation of regional rail transport in Germany. Under the terms of the deal, Akiem will acquire the fleet of battery-powered multiple units and lease them to ODEG from December 2027 until December 2040. The new trains will replace an existing fleet of diesel units currently operating in the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
Replacing diesel with battery power
The Flirt Akku 3L trains, manufactured by Stadler, are designed for flexible operation across partially electrified networks. Each unit is equipped with batteries that enable autonomous running of at least 100 kilometres on non-electrified track, without the need for continuous overhead lines.
The fleet will serve the Rehna–Parchim and Parchim–Plau am See lines, covering an annual total of 2.1 million train-kilometres. This transition supports Germany’s national objective of phasing out diesel-powered passenger trains by 2030.
EUR 100 million financing package
The investment is being financed with the support of a consortium of lenders led by Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, which acted as sole structuring bank. The financing group also includes CIC, La Banque Postale and NatWest.
In addition to commercial funding, the project benefits from an investment grant from Germany’s Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV), issued in support of national energy transition goals.
Scaling up passenger rail leasing
The contract is part of Akiem’s wider strategic push into the European passenger rail leasing market. Backed by its shareholder La Caisse, formerly known as CDPQ and recognised as the world’s largest institutional infrastructure investor, Akiem intends to invest over €1 billion in continental Europe in the coming years — with a focus on Germany and France.
With many public transport authorities facing tight budgets and increasing demand for new rolling stock, Akiem’s leasing model offers a cost-effective solution. The company combines private financing capacity with extensive experience in rail vehicle operations and maintenance.
Commenting on the agreement, Fabien Rochefort, CEO of Akiem, said: “We are pleased to bring this project to fruition with our client ODEG and the manufacturer Stadler. Our teams are committed to providing regions and rail operators with concrete, robust, and agile solutions, both financially and industrially. We are proud to be contributing to the development of sustainable mobility in the regions.”
Share on:
