Hamburger Rail Service (HRS) is expanding its locomotive fleet with the addition of the high-performance Euro9000, marking a significant step in the company’s strategy to increase hauling capacity and improve operational efficiency across Germany and Europe.
The German private rail freight operator announced that the decision followed several years of evaluation. According to Managing Director Adem Gülaz, the Euro9000 stood out for its “exceptional performance and high versatility,” enabling HRS to operate both heavy ore trains and short-notice work trains with a single locomotive. “With the Euro9000, we are ready for any challenge,” he said.
Eliminating double traction with greater tractive power
The Euro9000 is one of Europe’s most powerful hybrid locomotives, developed by Stadler and leased through European Loc Pool (ELP). It delivers up to 9 MW in electric mode, 1.9 MW in diesel, and a tractive effort of up to 500 kN, making it suitable for some of the heaviest freight operations on the continent.
For HRS, this strength translates into a crucial operational gain: the ability to remove the need for double traction on certain routes. This change not only improves efficiency but also reduces fuel and energy consumption, maintenance costs, and network complexity.
Long-term partnership with ELP
Gülaz highlighted the collaborative relationship with European Loc Pool throughout the procurement process, emphasising the “very good and collaborative” communication and partnership approach. The first of two Euro9000 locomotives will be handed over shortly and is expected to enter service in December 2025.
The Euro9000 and ELP’s hybrid fleet
European Loc Pool specialises in leasing innovative six-axle hybrid locomotives designed for demanding freight operations, including the EuroDual and the Euro9000 platform. These locomotives combine electric and diesel traction, allowing seamless transitions between electrified and non-electrified sections and supporting last-mile operations without additional shunting locomotives.
Since its founding in 2018, ELP has supported more than 33 operators in five countries, offering full-service leasing packages that include maintenance and technology upgrades to improve sustainability and efficiency across the rail freight sector.
HRS is one of Germany’s largest private rail freight companies, headquartered in Hamburg and operating 24/7 across the country. The operator provides tailored logistics solutions and places strong emphasis on safety, operational readiness, and long-term customer partnerships. The addition of the Euro9000 locomotives is intended to further strengthen its capability to offer sustainable, cost-effective transport solutions for the European market.
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