Freight rail operator Lineas and leasing company Alpha Trains have signed a contract for the lease of two Stadler EURO9000 locomotives, intended for freight transport on European north-south corridors.
The locomotives are part of an order for 12 EURO9000 units launched by Alpha Trains in 2023 and are intended to modernize the fleet used for freight transport on the Rhine–Alpine corridor, which connects the North Sea ports of Southern Europe and the Mediterranean area.
The first locomotive is scheduled to be delivered this month.
Hybrid locomotive for cross-border operations
The EURO9000 model, produced by Swiss company Stadler, is a six-axle multi-system locomotive designed for heavy rail transport.
Its propulsion system combines electric traction with a diesel engine, allowing it to operate on both electrified and non-electrified lines.
This configuration facilitates cross-border operations, reducing the need to change locomotives at borders or on non-electrified infrastructure segments.
According to Alpha Trains, the locomotive is currently the most powerful operational locomotive on the European market.
Use in freight transport in Germany
Lineas intends to use the EURO9000 locomotives primarily for domestic freight transport in Germany, where they will provide a link between the electrified and non-electrified segments of the network.
“We are delighted to support Lineas with the EURO9000, the most powerful locomotive in operation on the European market. Its performance and operational efficiency make it ideal for rail freight transport on the Rhine-Alpine corridor,” said Guus de Boer, commercial director of Alpha Trains Locomotives.
Alban François, Chief Operating Officer of Lineas, emphasized that the locomotive offers “power, flexibility, and sustainability,” making it suitable for the international freight corridors operated by the company.
Project funded by the German government
The project is receiving approximately EUR 15 million in funding from the German Ministry of Transport through its support program for alternative propulsion systems in rail and public transport.
Launched in 2021, the program aims to accelerate the adoption of low-emission traction technologies in passenger and freight rail transport.
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