BLS Cargo: Through-running to Belgium

Since the beginning of the month, BLS Cargo has been running freight trains for Italian operator Ambrogio Intermodal through to Belgium using the same locomotive throughout. This is the first time the company has used its new Vectron Re 475 locomotives end-to-end on the route with the service being provided almost entirely by BLS Cargo group resources. Belgian subsidiary, Crossrail Benelux, hauls the trains in Germany and Belgium, in Switzerland its BLS Cargo itself. “This brings Belgium nearer to us and means we can associate ourselves more closely with Crossrail” says Dirk Stahl, CEO BLS Cargo. There are benefits not only for the company, but also for customers, as services move more quickly and seamlessly across borders and locomotive utilisation is optimised. «As a partner of BLS Cargo since its foundation, we are proud to be a part of this breakthrough innovation allowing to connect Italy with Belgium under a single production», says Livio Ambrogio, President of Ambrogio Group.

12 months from order placement to commercial operation

In October 2019, BLS Cargo ordered 25 new ‘Vectron’ multi-system locomotives from Siemens, equipped with traction and train control systems required for operation in Germany (D), Austria (A), Switzerland (CH), Italy (I), the Netherlands (NL) and Belgium (B). Siemens has ensured that locomotives have been rolled out in batches as planned and has arranged for the necessary operating licences for this freight corridor to be issued in good time.  A total of 10 units will be delivered by the end of 2020 with the remaining 15 due to follow in 2023. 

For further information, please contact Stefanie Burri, BLS Cargo AG, Head of Staff/Communication on tel. 058 327 30 17 or stefanie.burri@bls.ch.

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