13.11.2024
Artikel Nummer: 51403
Czech rail operator adds Vectrons to its fleet
Original: ORLEN Unipetrol Doprava, a leading Czech rail freight operator and a member of the refining and petrochemical group ORLEN Unipetrol, continues modernising its fleet. The group of seven existing Siemens Vectron MS locomotives, series 383, will be expanded to include four other units by the end of 2025. ORLEN Unipetrol has taken over the eighth locomotive for use from Siemens these days. The acquisition of additional modular electric locomotives is part of a long-term modernisation plan focused on increased efficiency and sustainability of transport services. Thus, ORLEN Unipetrol Doprava actively contributes to reduced CO2 emissions and fulfils the goals of the ORLEN Unipetrol Group, which committed itself to cutting carbon emissions by 25% by 2030 and achieving a net zero by 2050. ORLEN Unipetrol Doprava has invested hundreds of millions of korunas since it started modernising its fleet in 2017. These investments significantly reinforce the company’s position in the rail freight transport market in the Czech Republic. “Our long-term sustainability strategy involves achieving a net zero by 2050 and cutting emissions by 25% by 2030. Besides decarbonising production processes, fleet modernisation plays a crucial role in these efforts,” said Mariusz Wnuk, CEO and chairman of the Board of Directors of the ORLEN Unipetrol Group. “By purchasing four more locomotives, we will both promote our environmental goals and increase our competitiveness in railway transport,” he added. With the new Siemens Vectron MS locomotives with power of 6,400 kW and a standard working speed of 100 km/h, ORLEN Unipetrol Doprava will strengthen its transport capacities on cross-border rail routes between Czechia, Poland, Germany, Slovakia, Austria, and Hungary. “Increased efficiency and sustainability of transport operations on these crucial lines is fundamental for meeting our business and environmental targets. The locomotives are equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, including the European Train Control System (ETCS), GSM-R, and remote diagnostics that contribute to higher safety and reliability of our services,” specified Jaroslav Dvořák, executive director at ORLEN Unipetrol Doprava. He added: “Passive safety is one of the significant security features of these locomotives, providing the engine driver with space for survival in case of emergencies.” Roman Kokšal, CEO of Siemens Mobility Czech Republic, commented on the acquisition of four more Vectron locomotives by ORLEN Unipetrol Doprava as follows: “We are pleased that ORLEN Unipetrol Doprava is satisfied with Vectron locos and trusts them. We delivered their first Vectron MS locomotive in 2017, and now they have the eighth addition in their fleet. Vectron locomotives excel with high reliability and productivity, the ability to move heavy freight trains and reach high daily runs and transport results. These interoperable vehicles are suitable for operations in Czechia and abroad. They can be universally used thanks to their technical compatibility with various power supply types and rail control systems, including the ETCS, and thanks to operational support from the Europe-wide service network. The ability to operate under the ETCS supervision is also important in the Czech Republic because, from January 2025, this locomotive equipment is a prerequisite for their access to many crucial corridor tracks.” ORLEN Unipetrol Doprava is one of the significant rail freight operating companies in the Czech Republic. With its contractual partners, it provides transport services to neighbouring countries, Benelux and the Balkans. It offers a broad portfolio of services on the railway market. In addition to delivering chemical products, it focuses on forwarding, railway car leases, repair and cleaning services, and consulting activities. Its customers include member companies of the international ORLEN Group and external entities, including significant rail forwarders, foreign carriers, and chemical plants without any connection to the Group. The ORLEN Unipetrol Group is the largest refining and petrochemical company in the Czech Republic. It focuses on crude oil processing and the production, distribution and sale of vehicle fuels and petrochemical products – particularly plastics and fertilisers. It belongs among the key players on the Czech and Central European markets in all these areas. The ORLEN Unipetrol Group encompasses refineries and production plants in Litvínov and Kralupy nad Vltavou, Paramo in Pardubice, Spolana in Neratovice, REMAQ in Otrokovice, and two research centres in Litvínov and Brno. ORLEN Unipetrol also includes the ORLEN network of petrol stations in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. ORLEN Unipetrol is one of the largest companies in the Czech Republic in terms of turnover. It employs over 6,000 people. ORLEN Unipetrol is also a socially responsible company, particularly in the areas of supporting sustainable development, education, local communities and the environment. Its quality employee care is attested to by the prestigious Top Employer certificate which the Group received in 2023 and 2024 and by a host of national accolades. In 2005, ORLEN Unipetrol became part of the ORLEN Group, the largest energy company in Central Europe.
Orlen Unipetrol Doprava has ordered four more units to extend its seven-strong Siemens Vectron fleet. The first of this batch, bringing the current number up to eight, was delivered some days ago. The acquisition is part of a long-term modernisation plan.
The new Siemens Vectron MS locomotives have a power of 6,400 kW and a standard working speed of 100 km/h and will strengthen Orlen’s transport capacities on cross-border rail routes between Czechia, Poland, Germany, Slovakia, Austria, and Hungary.
The Czechia-based railfreight operator provides transport services to neighbouring countries, Benelux and the Balkans. In addition to shipping chemical products, it focuses on forwarding, railway car leases, repair and cleaning services, and consulting activities. (ben)