“We are therefore in an excellent position to meet the demands of our customers in Germany at short notice,” says the CEO of Nexrail Luuk von Meijenfeldt.“These locomotives combine proven, reliable design with flexible, fuel-efficient and low-emission operation.We see that our customers will use the DE 18 for a variety of purposes.”
“Market demand for hybrid locomotives that are ETCS Level 2 ready is evolving rapidly,” says Mark Remie, CCO of Nexrail. “The proven technology of the DE 18 Stage V SmartHybrid is a proven solution for most customers with needs on non-electrified routes.”
The CEO of Vossloh Rolling Stock Dr. Bernd Hoppe is delighted: “Nexrail’s second major order takes our partnership with this team of experienced rail leasing professionals to the next level.”
The agreement also includes the call-off of an option for 10 additional DE 18 Stage V SmartHybrid locomotives, which was part of the first framework agreement signed in 2021 for up to 50 such locomotives, of which 20 were already on order. The first 30 locomotives to be approved for operation in France, Belgium and Luxembourg and equipped with ETCS Level 1 will then be delivered to customers by March 2024.
“Our IMATEQ service team will upgrade them to ETCS Level 2 in 2025,” says Vossloh Rolling Stock. Under the name IMATEQ (Intelligent MAintenance TEChnologies), which is protected throughout Europe, Vossloh Rolling Stock offers fast service and comprehensive service quality with standardised processes that are organised across borders.
Of course, the Nexrail representatives also think about ecology and economy. CEO Luuk von Meijenfeldt: “With our portfolio, we want to stimulate the rail freight market, especially low-emission operation on non-electrified routes, and thus support the positive role of rail in reducing CO2 emissions.”
CCO Mark Remie: “Following our joint traction tests in the Ardennes last year, most customers are convinced that the DE 18 can replace established operational practices, such as using double traction with locomotives such as the HLD77 and Class66. Of course, the potential for fuel and emission savings is particularly large here.”
Hermann Schmidtendorf, Editor-in-Chief
