The first of 60 diesel locomotives that VR Group of Finland has ordered from Stadler has started extensive test running in Finland.

The type Dr19 locomotive is a low-emissions unit that will be mainly used on freight traffic, and is due to be introduced into commercial traffic in 2023. Test runs are being carried out to ensure the functionality of the locomotive on the Finnish railway network. VR Group has ordered 60 new diesel locomotives from Stadler.

A comprehensive test programme will include test runs on different railway sections and in different train configurations, as well as shunting work in railway yards. Testing will continue until the end of 2022.

Diesel locomotives are still required, as only slightly more than half of the Finnish railway network is electrified. Although VR aims to maximise the amount of electric haulage, other power sources may be needed in the future in addition to hydro-electricity. The locomotives have been designed so that the diesel engine could be replaced with a more climate-friendly energy source once sufficiently competitive and reliable alternatives become available .

The Dr19s will replace ageing diesel locomotives, which are about 40–60 years old and have already exceeded their normal lifecycle. Five locomotives will be delivered to Finland this year, then deliveries will continue regularly until the entire 60 locomotives have been delivered by the end of 2026. The procurement contract also includes an additional order option for 100 locomotives.

Ilkka Heiskanen, Senior Vice President, Train Operations and Safety, VR Group, said “The new diesel locomotives will be mainly used in freight traffic and their pulling capacity is twice as effective as in our old locomotives.

“Today, train is by far the most low-emission mode of transport, but we are committed to reducing emissions even further. The new locomotive has many climate-friendly features and its particulate emissions are significantly lower than those of our old diesel fleet. Nitrogen oxide emissions, for example, are 80% lower.

Iñigo Parra, CEO of Stadler Valencia, said “After working intensively on the development of these state-of-the-art locomotives, we are very proud to see the first Dr19 in Finland for testing on the rail network. The high-performance locomotives have been designed, in close cooperation with VR, to operate efficiently and reliably under extreme temperature and weather conditions.  We are convinced that the environmental-friendly Dr19 locomotives will support VR Group’s strategy to improve the quality of customers service in freight traffic.”

Martti Koskinen, Senior Vice President, VR Transpoint, said “The new locomotives are an investment in the operating preconditions of Finnish industry. We want to use modern cutting-edge locomotives, which are more efficient, safer, and more reliable than before. For the customers, our new locomotives will enable even greater operational reliability.”