ZSSK Leases 30 Modern Siemens Vectron Locomotives for International Transport

The Slovak national railway company ZSSK has announced plans to lease 30 modern Siemens Vectron locomotives, this is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

This measure aims to modernize the company’s outdated fleet and address the shortage of traction units.

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Currently, ZSSK already operates 10 Vectron locomotives, alongside older machines such as the upgraded Class 361 locomotives.

However, the Class 240 and Class 350 locomotives are gradually being phased out, creating the need for new and more efficient rolling stock.

Despite recent acquisitions of Skoda Group Panter and Stadler KISS trains, the company still faces a locomotive shortage.

This is why ZSSK decided to announce a tender for the long-term lease of multisystem Siemens Vectron locomotives.

These locomotives will not only serve domestic routes but also play a crucial role in international transport.

This is particularly important for routes to the Czech Republic and Austria, where, starting January 2025, the requirement for trains to be equipped with the ETCS Level 2 system comes into effect. Only Class 361 and 383 (Vectron) locomotives meet these new standards.

One of the main advantages of leasing is the reduction of initial financial costs and the ability to quickly introduce the locomotives into service.

Additionally, the lease agreement will include a full range of technical maintenance, which also reduces risks for the company.

According to the tender terms, the first five locomotives are to be delivered to ZSSK by December 2024, with subsequent batches in December 2025 and December 2026.

ZSSK aims to lease locomotives with a maximum speed of 200 km/h and equipped with ETCS Level 1 and 2, Baseline 3 systems.

Of the 15 locomotives planned for lease, 12 will be of the A01 version, compatible with the rail systems of Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Austria, Germany, and Poland.

Two A17 version locomotives will also be compatible with the railways of Slovenia and Croatia, and one A35 model locomotive is intended for operation in Italy.

In addition, ZSSK plans to purchase up to 40 battery-electric trains, highlighting the company’s commitment to modernization and environmental innovation in the railway sector.

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