Swiss rail freight operator SBB Cargo International has ordered 20 Vectron multisystem locomotives from Siemens Mobility. The deal includes an option for 20 additional vehicles. All the units will be used by SBB Cargo International on the Rhine-Alpine Corridor from the year’s end.

The ordered multisystem locomotives will be operated in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and the Netherlands. They will be equipped with the European Train Control System (ETCS) in addition to national train control systems. “With our multisystem locomotives, SBB Cargo International can operate on the Rhine-Alpine Corridor from the Netherlands to Italy without changing locomotives, ensuring that freight transport in Europe is quick, efficient and environmentally friendly”, said Sabrina Soussan, CEO of Siemens Mobility.

SüdLeasing

The supply agreement was concluded in cooperation with SüdLeasing, which will lease the locomotives to SBB Cargo International for a long-term period. Siemens Mobility will produce them at its factory in Munich-Allach. The vehicles will have a maximum output of 6.4 megawatts. Their delivery is planned between the end of 2019 and mid-2020.

With new locomotives, SBB Cargo International intends to replace the old rolling stock. “With the expansion of our Vectron fleet, we are almost completely replacing our old Re 620 and Re 420 fleet, which was designed exclusively for service in Switzerland, and are focusing on an efficient, state-of-the-art multisystem locomotive fleet”, said Sven Flore, CEO of SBB Cargo International.

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