BLS Cargo acquires 25 locomotives

BLS Cargo is purchasing 25 new multi-system freight locomotives equipped to operate between Belgium, the Netherlands and Italy. The order comes as a result of the foreseeable need to reinvest in replacements for existing older locomotives as well as the need to meet the increased demand for resources to accommodate targeted growth.

Following an intensive tendering process and running tests with suitable candidates, the contract was awarded to Siemens Mobility for its ‘Vectron’ multi-system locomotive. BLS Cargo already has 15 units of this type in its fleet. The new locomotives are due for delivery from end 2020 to 2025.

The locomotives are equipped with all necessary traction and train control systems required for operation in Germany (D), Austria (A), Switzerland (CH), Italy (I), the Netherlands (NL) and Belgium (B). The extensive range of country-specific systems means that BLS Cargo can consolidate the cross-border operating concepts it has developed so successfully.

A key component of these cross-border operating concepts is the role played by Belgian rail freight operator Crossrail Benelux NV, which was taken over by BLS Cargo earlier this year. Crossrail operates freight services in Belgium and Germany on behalf of BLS Cargo and the new DACHINLB locomotives will enable cross-border services to operate seamlessly thanks to highly efficient locomotive utilisation, planned and coordinated centrally by BLS Cargo. “The new locomotives will give us access to the Belgian market and enable us to tie in operating processes more closely with Crossrail” says BLS Cargo’s CEO, Dirk Stahl.     

For further information, please contact Stefanie Burri, BLS Cargo AG, Head of Staff/Communication on tel. 0041 58 327 30 17 or stefanie.burri@bls.ch.