Alstom is to supply 20 of its Traxx DC3 electric locomotives to the Italian company, GTS Rail.

GTS Rail, based in Bari, operates intermodal rail freight transport. The first locomotives, bearing the class designation E,494, will be delivered from the beginning of 2024.

With this new order, GTS Rail’s fleet will include 45 Alstom locomotives, comprising 12 Traxx DC2 – E.483 and 33 Traxx DC3 – E.494 locomotives, eight of which are equipped with a Last Mile function. This latest agreement includes the option to purchase the Last Mile function, which allows the locomotives to be used on non-electrified lines, such as in ports, industrial areas, and terminals

Traxx DC3 locomotives are Alstom’s latest generation of high-power electric locomotives. They maximise efficiency, minimise maintenance downtime, and provide higher load and traction capability with lower energy consumption. The Traxx 3 platform is the most modern platform for four-axle locomotives in Europe. More than 2,400 units have been sold over the past 20 years, they have been approved for use in 20 countries, and cover a total annual distance of more than 300 million kilometres.

The locomotives will be built at Alstom’s Vado Ligure (SV) site, which is a centre for the production and maintenance of rolling stock and subsystems. It has over 100 years of experience in the design and construction of locomotives including the latest generation of Traxx electric locomotives. As well as manufacturing the latest generation of Traxx electric locomotives for Italian and European freight operators, it carries out major overhauls of traction units.

Michele Viale, Managing Director of Alstom Italy and Chairman and CEO of Alstom Ferroviaria, said: “We are extremely proud to have signed this new agreement with GTS Rail, our long-standing customer and partner. This important contract, confirming a highly successful and valuable collaboration, follows the agreement signed in January 2022 for the supply of five E.494 locomotives equipped with Last Mile function. All locomotives designed for the Italian market have been and will be produced at Alstom’s Vado Ligure site.”