Rolling stock manufacturer Alstom has signed a contract with Akiem, a European rolling stock leasing company, for 100 Traxx Universal multi-system (MS3) locomotives.
The first call is an order for 65 locomotives. The total value of the framework agreement is EUR 500 million. This order is part of Akiem’s business strategy, which is seeing the company invest in rail corridors from France to 12 other European countries.
The Traxx multi-system locomotives are suitable for both freight and passenger transport and have operating speeds of up to 160km/h. They will run in the following 12 European countries: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic and Slovakia.
The locomotives will be delivered with either diesel or battery last-mile feature, which will allow them to access ports, terminals and industrial sites where there are no overhead lines. Consequently they will not need to be manoeuvred with a shunting locomotive.
All of the locomotives will be fitted with the ATLAS signalling system, Alstom’s on-board ETCS product. The system can cover many countries and lines, both in ETCS and legacy system operation.
“Akiem is thrilled to place this new order with Alstom. We are constantly investing in our locomotive portfolio to serve our customers and develop new market positions. This stock investments will allow to offer new efficient and sustainable routes which will contribute to increase the modal shift towards rail in Europe. 55 locomotives as part of this order will operate from France towards Europe in a context when no deliveries were experienced for the past decade. We are intending to contribute to the rejuvenation of rail Freight and intercity passenger transport in France and ease innovation and competition with the support of our maintenance and service teams.”
Final assembly is to take place at Alstom’s site in Kassel, Germany. Delivery is scheduled from 2025 to 2028.
