DB Cargo LEADER system installed on all 60 Class 77 diesels

The DB Cargo LEADER system is now installed across the Class 77 diesel fleet. DB Cargo says the digital tool is designed to reduce fuel use in rail freight. Also, it is meant to improve efficiency in rail freight transport.

According to DB Cargo, all 60 locomotives in the series were equipped within four months. In addition, the rollout was completed by the end of March 2026. Meanwhile, the operator expects fuel consumption reduction of around 4–5%. This is intended to support more efficient and sustainable freight train operations.

“The fact that the implementation succeeded at such a rapid pace was primarily due to the pragmatic and action-oriented mindset of the project team, which closely coordinated the development, production, and installation phases,” said Philipp Nowak, senior project manager.

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How the DB Cargo LEADER system supports economical driving?

LEADER, short for Locomotive Engineer Assist Display & Event Recorder, provides engineers with real-time guidance. As Railway Supply noted in related coverage, the goal is the most energy-efficient driving possible. Also, the system uses route information, the train’s position, and operating-mode data. It uses that data to calculate optimal driving profiles.

According to DB Cargo, the aim is to avoid unnecessary energy consumption. At the same time, the system is meant to improve efficiency. It is also meant to increase operational transparency.

Meanwhile, the operator says the system has been in use on electric locomotives since 2016. It says the system has already been validated in service there. In addition, it says the technology has gained broad acceptance among engineers.

Separately, the solution received the “dena Good Practice 2025” distinction at the end of 2025. The award recognizes best practices in the field of energy efficiency.

Adapted for Class 77 diesel locomotives

DB Cargo said the technology from electric traction was adapted for Class 77 diesel locomotives. Also, early tests showed it could be used safely. They also showed it could be used reliably on this type of rolling stock.

The company said extending LEADER to the diesel fleet marks another step. It is another step toward improving energy efficiency across its full traction fleet. For example, the operator lists these advantages:

• reduced energy consumption and more efficient use of resources;
• real-time support for drivers to encourage economical driving;
• calculation of optimal driving profiles based on route, position, and operational data;
• development of the system in cooperation with Knorr-Bremse SfS GmbH.

Creating the support needed for the LEADER display was a separate technical task. Still, cab layouts differ from one locomotive series to another. The team required a tailored solution.

The prototype was developed jointly by the project team and the vehicle maintenance department. At the same time, employees at the Saarbrücken maintenance depot produced the final design. They also manufactured the mounts in series.

On-site installation accelerated the rollout

DB Cargo said the installation strategy differed from the usual approach. Meanwhile, the project team went directly to parked vehicles. It installed the system on site instead of sending locomotives to the workshop.

This reduced downtime and accelerated implementation. For example, teams installed the system on up to 25 locomotives in just two days. Support came from the maintenance depots in Nuremberg and Oberhausen. Support also came from teams on the Nuremberg-Munich route.

“In the end, it took us less than eight minutes per cab to professionally install the LEADER system and its mounting bracket,” said Jörg Schneider, Head of Sustainability and IMS.

DB Cargo said the full rollout is meant to demonstrate digitalization in rail freight transport. It also said this can be done quickly and pragmatically. In addition, it said this can happen in close coordination with day-to-day operations. Also, for the operator, the result is measurable fuel savings. It also means greater operational efficiency. In addition, it marks another step toward more sustainable rail freight transport.

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