DB Cargo Orders 200 New and Climate-Friendly Locomotives

The locomotive fleet of DB Cargo is becoming even more modern and powerful. Gradually, all existing diesel locomotives will be replaced by modern, climate-friendly machines with alternative drives. Currently, 300 new shunting and dual-power locomotives are on their way to DB Cargo. The first locomotives are expected to be deployed as early as next year. In the long term, this involves replacing around 900 older diesel locomotives.

DB Cargo is ordering 200 locomotives with pioneering drive technology at the turn of the year. “We are investing in our locomotive fleet because we will grow. With the latest technology, we are helping to achieve climate goals in transportation. Our modernization program can save around 14 million liters of diesel per year,” says Dr. Sigrid Nikutta, DB Board Member for Freight Transport and Head of DB Cargo.

Michael Theurer, Parliamentary State Secretary and Federal Government Commissioner for Rail Transport: “The new locomotives not only ensure that freight railways become even more climate-friendly, but also that operations run significantly more efficiently and thus more attractively. Thanks to technical advancements, even the heaviest loads can now be moved on the last mile or in shunting operations without having to change personnel and technology. With modern technology and green electricity, we create clean supply chains.”

95 percent of its traction power in the network is already provided by the largest European freight railway with climate-friendly electric locomotives. Soon, shunting services in freight yards and “the last mile” to customers will also be provided by vehicles with dual-power or hybrid technology. Freight transport by rail has up to 80 percent lower CO₂ emissions compared to road transport.

Drive Systems are Modular

At the turn of the year, Vossloh Locomotives GmbH was able to convince with a novel hybrid shunting locomotive in a Europe-wide tender. The new machines are designed as plug-in hybrids but also have sufficient engine power with the latest exhaust cleaning technology to move freight trains weighing several thousand tons in shunting service. The drive systems are modular and can be easily replaced with corresponding technological advancements. The introduction of this innovative technology is supported by the federal government through the guidelines for promoting alternative drives in rail transport from the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport with a total of 15 million euros. The 50 locomotives are expected to be deployed at DB Cargo starting in 2024.

50 locomotives from Vossloh Locomotives are expected to be deployed at DB Cargo starting in 2024.

Dual-Power Locomotives Offer the Best of Both Worlds

With a strong electric drive, heavy freight trains can also be moved over long distances “under the overhead wire.” If this electric overhead wire is missing on branch lines or when delivering to customers’ factory premises, neither the locomotive nor the driver needs to be changed; only the drive needs to be switched. More than a year ago, the manufacturer Siemens Mobility was able to win a DB tender with locomotives of the Vectron Dual Mode type. Now, the initial delivery will be increased from 100 to around 150 locomotives starting in 2023. In addition, 46 more locomotives will be equipped with specific adaptations for the operational spectrum planned by DB Cargo, and four machines will be taken over by the DB Railway Construction Group.

The third pillar of the new strategy is the procurement of hybrid shunting locomotives of the Toshiba HDB 800. A total of 100 of these locomotives, manufactured in Rostock, are to be deployed at DB Cargo. The first rollout is planned for 2024.

Photos: © DB Cargo