The German rolling stock leasing company Northrail has concluded a purchase agreement with manufacturer Vossloh for 10 DE-18 locomotives. The locomotives will be used in Norway and Sweden for shunting and mainline services. They represent an ecologically more friendly alternative to locomotives currently in use, Northrail explains to RailFreight.com.
Besides the 10 purchased locomotives, Northrail has the option to double the order to 20 locomotives. The first batch of the locomotives will be delivered in the second half of 2025. “This acquisition represents another milestone in our internationalisation strategy and opens up new opportunities for us in the very attractive Scandinavian market,” says Michael Trentzsch, the company’s Chief Commercial Officer.
The company explains to RailFreight.com that there are still many old locomotives in use in Sweden, and that there is demand for their replacement. The DE-18 locomotive is supposed to be a “much more economical and ecological” locomotive.
Ideal time to invest
“We are convinced that this is the ideal time to invest in this market and see a great need for modern, low-emission locomotives in Sweden and Norway. With the DE 18 locomotives, we can meet this demand and sustainably expand our service offering in both countries”, Trentzsch said.
The locomotive is equipped with ETCS (L2) and the STM ATC-2 signalling system. It has a 1,800 kW engine output, which makes it usable for heavy shunting and mainline services. Northrail highlights that the DE-18 can make use of HVO fuel, which could save up to 50 per cent in greenhouse gas emissions, according to the company.