The Luxembourg-based CFL cargo has ordered 10 Bombardier Transportation TRAXX MS locomotives as part of its strategy to expand further into the European rail market.
The multi-system locomotives, which can operate under both AC and DC electrification of different voltages (15kV and 25kV AC and 1.5kV and 3kV DC) will allow CFL cargo to run non-stop services between central Europe and France.
Bombardier’s TRAXX MS locomotives will be authorised to operate in Luxembourg, Germany, Poland, Austria, Belgium and France. A number of the 10 locomotives for CFL cargo will be equipped with a last-mile diesel engine as oftentimes terminals and other destination sites are not electrified.
“We are very pleased to be the first railway operator to expand its business offering with an optimised rail transport solution for the East-West European corridor. The new TRAXX multi-system locomotives will allow us to cross numerous borders as easily as a truck, thus providing our clients with a competitive transport solution that contributes to reaching the European New Green Deal objective of increasing rail’s share of Europe’s overall transport to 30 per cent by 2030.”
The TRAXX 3 locomotive is based on earlier versions of the TRAXX platform, of which more than 2,000 are currently in operation in 20 countries.
“Together, with our launch customer CFL cargo, we are proud to offer an innovative solution that opens new business opportunities for rail transport clients. Our TRAXX MS locomotive is Europe’s most-modern locomotive, and we are looking forward to supporting the expansion of East-West freight transport in Europe.”
CFL cargo currently operates in six European countries.
