ZSSK Cargo will expand its interconnected international freight system by leasing Siemens Vectron locomotives, which provide modern multi-system traction capability to operate on many European rail corridors. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

ZSSK Cargo to Lease Siemens Vectron Locomotives
Photo: ZSSK Cargo

ZSSK Cargo becomes multi-system operator with Vectron locomotives

SLOVAKIAN freight operator ZSSK Cargo has opened a tender to lease 15 multi-system Siemens Vectron locomotives, with an option to lease up to 15 more in the future. These vehicles will help facilitate operations across a range of European territories.

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The first five locomotives should be delivered by March 2026 with another five later in the year. Last deliveries would occur by December 2027, and the operator would fall within their modernization schedules.

Enhanced Capabilities for International Operations

The locomotives will be supplied in the flexible A17 design, which is already homologated for use in Slovakia, Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary and other EU member states. This will allow cross-border service for our commercial customers.

In addition, the successful tenderer will also conduct the full maintenance of the leased units for ten years, so to ensure guaranteed up-time and reduced operational disruptions to the growing fleet.

Vectron Locomotives and Market Impact

Since its market entry in 2010, the Vectron family of Siemens Mobility has become the most-sold platform for multi-system locomotives with a maximum speed of 200 km/h and a high degree of energy efficiency. Through 2024, Siemens had sold more than 2,400 Vectron Locomotives to over 100 customers based in 16 different countries.

This new deal is designed to keep the Slovak operator competitive in a developing European rail freight market and provide faster, greener and more reliable transport solutions.

Why is ZSSK Cargo hiring Siemens Vectron locomotives?

ZSSK Cargo is renting the locomotives to increase its international transport capacity and renew its fleet, and make it compatible with various railway systems in Europe.

When are the initial locomotives expected to be delivered?

The first five Vectron locomotives are to be delivered before March 2026, while the rest are to be handed over by December 2027.

How does the Vectron from Siemens meet the needs for international freight traffic?

Vectron is a multi-system locomotive which meets the requirements of various countries, thus featuring high traction power and energy-efficiency and is suitable for international freight transportation applications.

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