Germany: Alstom Supplies Metrans Rail GmbH 2 Prima H3 Hybrid Shunting Locomotives

Image courtesy of Alstom

Logistics specialists Metrans Rail (Germany) GmbH has contracted with Alstom to buy two Prima H3 hybrid shunting locomotives for shunting operations to be used in Hamburg Port plus maintenance for ten years. The locomotives will be manufactured at Alstom’s facility in Stendal, Germany, to be delivered later in 2016.

Roger Mahler, managing director of Metrans Rail (Germany) GmbH said:

“These two Prima H3 shunting locomotives will help us master the growing rise for shunting operations in the port of Hamburg. With them the number of our own shunting locomotives has increased to a number of 5. We are looking forward to these efficient and environmentally friendly locomotives with which we are able to reach our very ambitious goal to reduce pollutant emissions.”

Since the Prima H3 debuted in September 2014, 14 have been ordered by Volkswagen, Deutsche Bahn, Audi, InfraLeuna and Mitteldeutsche Eisenbahn Gesellschaft (MEG). The locomotive is desirable by reason of its economic and environmentally efficient running; demonstrating a saving of up to 60% in diesel as comparing earlier models of shunting locomotives.

The Prima H3 features a hybrid drive which reduces CO2 emissions by 50% and nitrogen oxide emissions cut by 70%. The quiet 350kW diesel generator satisfies exhaust gas standard stage IIIB, the most up-to-date emissions regulations in Europe, and is designed to withstand upgrades to meet future, more stringent, emissions requirements. When used efficiently, the locomotive is capable of relying on its battery for between 50–75% of its service time, meaning that it can potentially operate with zero-emissions in sensitive areas, such as urban zones and productions halls. All the while, it is capable of attaining a maximum speed of 100km/h to make it easily integrated into mainline traffic.