Rail & Truck Strait Union (RTSU), the future operator of the Algeciras-Zaragoza ‘Railway Highway’ in Spain, has signed a long-term lease agreement with Alpha Trains for 7 Stadler EURO6000 locomotives.
These electric locomotives will be manufactured at Stadler’s Albuixech plant in Valencia prior to delivery between 2024 and 2025.
The Algeciras-Zaragoza Railway has been established to allow for more sustainable and intermodal transport of goods from Algeciras in the south of Spain to Zaragoza in the north.
Based on current forecasts, it is estimated that this line will reduce emissions by more than 94,000 tonnes of CO2 annually.
“We are delighted to have concluded this transaction with RTSU with a leasing solution tailored made to RTSU needs and with the financial support of the subsidies granted to RTSU by the Spanish Ministry of Transport. The agreement demonstrates our commitment to play a key role in the development and growth of the freight railway market in Spain and to maximise the use of the railway infrastructure.”
The EURO6000 is part of Stadler’s EURODUAL locomotive family. It currently provides the highest hauling capacity on the European market, enabling the transport of longer and heavier trains.
Alpha Trains ordered its first Stadler EURO6000 in 2020 and now has a fleet of over 50.
“In line with our commitment to greener transport, the EURO6000 was designed to improve the profitability and sustainability of rail freight services. We are very proud of the opportunities that this locomotive offers to the market, such as the operation of new services like the Algeciras - Zaragoza rail motorway and congratulate Alpha Trains for facilitating its use with tailor-made leasing solutions. We are convinced that the EURO6000 will boost the modal shift from road to rail in the Iberian Peninsula.”
