Lineas EURO9000 locomotives leased for freight corridors

Lineas EURO9000 locomotives are set for freight service on European north-south corridors. The operator signed a lease agreement with Alpha Trains for two Stadler EURO9000 units.

Lineas EURO9000 locomotives for European freight corridors

The locomotives are part of Alpha Trains’ 2023 order. That order covers 12 EURO9000 units. They are intended to modernize the fleet used on the Rhine-Alpine corridor. That route links North Sea ports with Southern Europe and the Mediterranean area. Also, the first locomotive is scheduled for delivery this month.

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Stadler, a Swiss company, produces the EURO9000. It is a six-axle multi-system locomotive for heavy rail transport. In addition, its propulsion system combines electric traction with a diesel engine. For example, this lets it run on both electrified and non-electrified lines. At the same time, the setup supports cross-border operations. It reduces the need to change locomotives at borders. It also cuts such changes on non-electrified sections of infrastructure.

According to Alpha Trains, the EURO9000 is currently the most powerful operational locomotive on the European market.

Freight transport in Germany and Rhine-Alpine corridor role

Lineas plans to use the EURO9000 locomotives mainly for domestic freight transport in Germany. There, they will link electrified and non-electrified parts of the network. Meanwhile, the locomotives are also suited to the company’s international freight corridors.

“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, said the locomotive offers “power, flexibility, and sustainability,” making it suitable for the company’s international freight corridors.

German Ministry of Transport funding for alternative propulsion systems

The project is receiving approximately EUR 15 million in funding. The support comes from the German Ministry of Transport. Separately, as Lineas notes, it comes through its programme for alternative propulsion systems. It covers rail and public transport. Still, the programme was launched in 2021. It aims to accelerate adoption. It focuses on low-emission traction technologies in passenger and freight rail transport.

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