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Switzerland’s SBB Cargo International AG, in cooperation with SüdLeasing GmbH, has ordered 20 Vectron multisystem locomotives equipped with the XLoad package from Siemens Mobility. SBB Cargo International will lease the locomotives from SüdLeasing under a long-term rental plan with a flexible term. The contract also includes maintenance of the locomotives by Siemens Mobility. Vectron XLoad is an equipment package developed to improve traction performance and increase trailer loads. With this XLoad option, for example, operators on the North-South Corridor will be able to use only one rather than two four-axle locomotives for a train. The Vectrons are designed for a maximum operating speed of 160 km/h. The locomotives will be delivered beginning in 2024.

“We are pleased about the further expansion of SBB Cargo International’s Vectron fleet and thank the company for their trust in us and in our locomotives. With this order, the number of Vectrons sold to Swiss customers has increased to over 100. Thanks to XLoad, the locomotives achieve tractive power previously not possible with four-axle locomotives. Our customer can use the locomotives even more efficiently in the Alpine region,” said Albrecht Neumann, CEO Rolling Stock at Siemens Mobility.

“The Vectron is the ideal locomotive for our transport operations, being interoperable between the ARA ports (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Antwerp) and Italy. With the optional feature XLoad, we will be able to run longer and heavier trains through the Alps in single traction. In many cases, one can even do without an otherwise obligatory lead locomotive. Since the weight of trains for combined freight traffic is limited by maximum permissible train lengths, there is no need to use a more cost-intensive six-axle locomotive,” commented Sven Flore, CEO SBB Cargo International AG.

The 20 new locomotives will be used by SBB Cargo International for transalpine service. The locomotives have been approved for operation in Austria, Belgium, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands. They are equipped with the European Train Control System ETCS BL3 as well as with the mandatory national train control systems.

Siemens Mobility has already sold more than 1,400 Vectron locomotives to 62 customers. To date, the Vectron fleet has covered over 585 million kilometers and is currently approved for operation in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden and Switzerland.