European Loc Pool (ELP) to extend the area of use of EuroDual Locomotives to Slovenia, Croatia and Serbia
30.03.2024
After successful test drives in Slovenia, Croatia and Serbia in June and July 2023, European Loc Pool (ELP), a leading Rolling Stock Leasing Company specialised in Full-Service Leasing of the most innovative and strongest hybrid locomotives in Europe, has obtained the homologation in Serbia and is expecting the same in Slovenia and Croatial soon, this is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.
As a result of a series of test runs, ELP sees potential for the the use of EuroDual locomotives in South-Eastern Europe and is thus taking steps to achieve the homologations in the above-mentioned countries.
The test drives were held for the purpose of checking compatibility with local infrastructure elements, correct response of railway crossing security equipment, functionality of GSM-R, national train security system (PZB) plus ETCS and dynamic transitions between class A and Class B safety systems.
To mark the occasion, locomotive 159.246 bore the name “Leteći Balkanac” (Flying Balkanac) a reference to locomotives connecting Zagreb and Belgrade way back in the 1930s at a speed of over 140 km/h.
The EuroDual 246, originally designated for the German market, underwent tailored modifications to meet the unique operating requirements in the Balkans.
Additionally, it received a special design, tailor-made to showcase the seamless operation of the EuroDual across the Balkan Peninsula.
“ELP sees enormous potential in the developing markets of South-Eastern Europe and will expand the existing homologation for Germany and Austria with the Balkan region and in a second phase to the Turkish Border. This will create a new corridor, connecting the ports in northern Germany, with the Adriatic Sea (and, later to the Turkish Market), but also enable operators to create new and innovative transport concepts for the Balkan markets.” says Emiel Knarren (Chief Commercial Officier of ELP).
In mid-2023, a comprehensive evaluation of the EuroDual locomotive was conducted across several countries to assess its performance under different regional rail systems.
The testing began at the Slovenian border station Jesenice in late May, followed by test drives in Croatia (Zagreb – Okučani), Slovenia (Ljubljana to Koper, Jesenice, and Zidani Most), and concluded in Serbia (Sremska Mitrovica – Ruma – Golubinci) during early July.
After completing this first testing phase, the locomotive was returned to the European Loc Pool (ELP) base in Braunschweig, ready for handover to an existing German customer.
EuroDual 246 after foiling and pantograph rocker change, May 2023 Braunschweig (Ger)
The EuroDual locomotive embarked on a series of successful test drives, showcasing its versatility and adaptability for the demanding Balkan region.
Commencing on June 18, 2023, at the Jesenice border station, the locomotive underwent a comprehensive static compatibility assessment by both the Slovenian and Croatian Designed Bodies (DeBo’s).
After receiving their approval reports, the eagerly awaited first test drive kicked off from the Zagreb Ranžirni kolodvor marshalling yard.
The testing route spanned from Zagreb to Novska and Okučani before concluding back in Zagreb.
This line is equipped with ETCS thus both the class A system (ETCS) and the class B system (PZB) were tested, as well as the dynamic transition between the two systems.
The locomotive drove with its own traction, without load, at a maximum speed of 120 km/h. Both its diesel traction (CAT C175 Engine, 2.8 MW, Stage V, HVO ready) and electric traction (6.2MW, 25kV AC) with a specially adapted 1.600mm wide pantograph, were tested, including dynamic transitions between the two modes.
As part of the Common Safety Method (CSM), a comprehensive compatibility test with infrastructure detection systems, especially at railway crossings, was conducted over a test run of more than 250 km.
Additionally, a successful compatibility test with the local GSM-R network was carried out.
After successfully passing the required tests in Croatia, the EuroDual 246 proceeded to Slovenia for additional testing, exclusively in diesel traction, over the course of three days.
Departing each morning from Ljubljana Central Station, the locomotive covered routes in directions Koper, Jesenice, and Zidani Most.
The testing rigorously examined safety systems such as ETCS and PZB, along with compatibility with the local infrastructure and GSM-R network.
Following the successful completion of tests in Slovenia and Croatia, the EuroDual was transported to Serbia. As Serbia is not an EU member state, the approval process followed the national legislation of the Republic of Serbia.
Prior to entering Serbia, the locomotive was exported from the European Union,.
The compatibility tests in Serbia occurred on July 4, 2023, during which the local infrastructure (Direkcija za železnicu) temporarily blocked the Sremska Mitrovica – Ruma – Golubinci line for the tests.
Sremska Mitrovica, July 5, 2023, 12:13, EuroDual after successful test run in Serbia
Covering over 120 km, the locomotive underwent rigorous testing at the highest permitted speed on this line, 100 km/h, in both diesel and electric traction. Following the test, the locomotive successfully met all prescribed parameters and returned to Sremska Mitrovica, marking a successful completion of the test run.
As part of the Balkan test runs, various representatives from major railway carriers operating in Serbia, Montenegro, Croatia, Romania, and Bulgaria inspected the EuroDual locomotive at a European Loc Pool commercial inspection.
Notably, some representatives travelled over 700 km to witness this unique locomotive firsthand!
The EuroDual received special praise for its ability to replace double traction and shunting locomotives for first-and last-mile operations, along with its impressive 50.000 km maintenance interval.
The special features of the EuroDual allow carriers to optimize their current production concepts and focus on their core business.
To further support the successful operation in the Balkans, ELP offers full-service leasing of these locomotives with a care-free maintenance package in all countries of operation.
Now the results of tests and measurements are being evaluated and ELP is waiting for the final feedback from the relevant authorities.
The first release took place in Serbia at the beginning of autumn 2023. Slovenia and Croatia are expected to follow, latest in Q3 2024.
For these two EU member states, it is a standard process of the so-called extension of the area of use to the already issued first approval in Germany, which had been conducted by the European Rail Agency (“ERA”).
After the successful extension of area of use this locomotive, the operators can connect the corridor from the Bulgarian border to the North Sea and provide real unlimited operation within mentioned territory.
EuroDual 246 at Zagreb RK, June 18, 2023, prepared for the test run
According to the ELP sales representative, the complex situation in the railway infrastructure in South-Eastern Europe creates ideal conditions for the deployment of the EuroDual locomotive.
“The combination of demanding steep sections with demanding curves is very complicated for the use of 4-axle locomotives and double traction is often mandatory. In addition, it is necessary to take into account the large number of non-electrified sections. That is why the mentioned countries have traditionally used Co-Co technology, and the 6-axle EuroDual with a tractive force of 500 kN, with 2.8 MW of diesel tractive effort and over 6 MW of electric traction power is the ideal successor and innovator that has the potential to revive the past glory of the railway in Southeast Europe,” says Ľubomír Dlábik, Sales Account Manager, responsible for Southeast Europe at ELP.
The EuroDual is equipped for both 15kV and 25 kV systems in electric traction mode.
In Slovenia, operations are restricted to diesel traction due to the country’s railway network being powered by a 3 kV system.
After receiving approval in these countries, ELP intends to continue the approval process in other South Estern European countries.
European Loc Pool (ELP) is an, innovative Full-Service Leasing company for locomotives and was founded in May 2018.
The company is headquartered in Frauenfeld, Switzerland.
ELP ordered the first 10 EuroDual locomotives in the third quarter of 2018.
In 2019 ELP has signed a framework agreement with Stadler for a minimum of100 Co’Co’ hybrid locomotives, from which by now in total 124 untis have been called off.
From this total, more than 100 locomotives have already been leased under long-term full-service lease agreements with more than 30 customers in six countries.
ELP targets rail operators, logistics- and production companies across Europe and focuses on new innovative six-axle hybrid locomotives.
ELP’s full-service leasing offering includes a comprehensive maintenance (prevenative-, corrective- and heavy maintenance events) and insurance package as well as the possibility to customize the exterior of the locomotives in the livery of its customers.
ELP is committed to the “Green-Deal” and to Sustainability and utilizes advanced technology to reduce the environmental impact while improving operational and economic performance.
ELP’s experienced team of professionals focuses on safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness to meet and exceed customer expectations.
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