European Loc Pool (ELP), the locomotive leasing company, has announced a significant expansion of its fleet with an order for 10 new EuroDual locomotives. The move further strengthens the company’s successful partnership with Stadler.
ELP originally entered into a framework agreement with Stadler in 2018 for a minimum of 100 EuroDual locomotives. Now, exceeding initial expectations, they have increased the order to a total of 114. All 101 locomotives from the initial agreement have been deployed on long-term leases, serving over 30 customers across six European countries.
The EuroDual boasts a tractive effort of 500kN, which surpasses many electric and diesel locomotives in Europe and allows for a 30% increase in load capacity. The locomotive is also noted for its reliability, high availability, and extended maintenance intervals which improves the locomotive’s cost effectiveness.
Delivery of the new locomotives is scheduled for 2025 and 2026. They will be delivered with the approval for use in the Germany and Austria markets, with pending approval in Slovenia and Croatia following recent Serbian approval. This allows ELP to offer a special "corridor package" from the northern German ports to the Adriatic.
Currently, 64 EuroDuals are in operation with ELP, including 58 in Germany and Austria and 6 in Scandinavia. Another 20 are in the pipeline, along with 7 Euro9000 next-generation locomotives currently operating. This year, 10 additional EuroDuals and 23 Euro9000 locomotives are set to be commissioned.
LP focuses on innovative six-axle hybrid locomotives offering up to 2.8 MW in diesel mode, 9 MW in electric mode, and a 500 kN traction force. All vehicles come equipped with ETCS-Baseline 3 for operation on Level 2 tracks. The first EuroDuals have been operational in Germany since 2020, enabling efficient operation on both electrified and non-electrified lines, including last-mile and shunting duties. All locomotives are equipped with remote control for added flexibility.
Alongside the purchase of the EuroDual locomotives, From mid-2023, ELP introduced the second generation of its dual locomotives, the Euro9000, designed as a hybrid multi-system electric locomotive for all European corridors.
Photo Credit: Stadler/European LOC Pool
