DB Cargo UK has tested the Class 93 tri-mode locomotive on an intermodal service in north-west England as part of its analysis of options for future fleet investments.
In collaboration with the Rail Operations Group and Network Rail, the company used locomotive 93006 to haul a train operated for Peel Ports between Seaforth (Merseyside) and Mossend (Glasgow) and back on March 10.
The Class 93 is the latest development in the family of locomotives developed by Stadler for the British market. It is a locomotive designed for both freight and passenger trains, built on the experience of the Class 68 and Class 88 series, but with improved performance in diesel and battery mode.
Manufactured in Valencia, Spain, the tri-mode locomotive has four traction modes.
In electric mode, it can run under 25 kV AC voltage, with a power of up to 4 MW, additionally benefiting from a 0.6 MW contribution from batteries.
For non-electrified lines, the locomotive is equipped with a 900 kW Stage V diesel engine and two lithium titanate oxide (LTO) battery packs.
In hybrid diesel-battery mode, the batteries provide an additional 400 kW to supplement the combustion engine.
They can also operate independently, allowing for local emission-free operation without loss of traction effort.
Part of the fleet modernization strategy
Mark Sargant, Chief Operating Officer of DB Cargo UK, said the tests are part of a broader process of evaluating the future investment strategy:
“The testing of the Class 93 locomotive was carried out as part of an ongoing review of our future fleet investment strategy, and we were impressed with its performance.”
He noted that representatives of the ASLEF mechanics’ union also participated in the tests to evaluate the locomotive’s performance in operation on the British network.
Brian Ferguson, Managing Director of the Rail Operations Group, highlighted the performance recorded during the tests, including the ability to pull trains weighing up to 1,500 tons and to start from a standstill on gradients:
“Handling loads of up to 1,500 tons, the locomotive delivered solid performance throughout the tests, including starts from a standstill on difficult ramps.”
According to him, new tests and demonstrations are planned in the coming months as the collaboration with DB Cargo UK is strengthened.
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