Siemens Mobility has won a contract to supply SBB Cargo International AG of Switzerland with 20 Vectron multisystem locomotives equipped with an XLoad package.

Vectron XLoad is an equipment package that improved traction performance and allows for increased trailer loads.

SBB Cargo International will lease the locomotives from SüdLeasing GmbH under a long-term rental plan with a flexible term. With the XLoad option, operators need to use only one rather than two four-axle locomotives for a train.

Under the contract, Siemens Mobility will also maintain the locomotives. Vectrons are designed for a maximum operating speed of 160 km/h and will be delivered beginning in 2024.

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

To date, Siemens Mobility has sold over 1,400 Vectron locomotives to 62 customers, and these have covered over 585 million kilometres. They are 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.

SBB Cargo arent the only company to use Vectron locomotives. This news follows on from Akiem agreeing with Siemens for 20 locomotives, 30 locomotives set to arrive in Poland, Paribus agreeing with Siemens for the supply of 30 locomotives and finally Railpool will bring 20 locomotives into service in 11 countries.

Albrecht Neumann, CEO Rolling Stock at Siemens Mobility: “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.”

Sven Flore, CEO SBB Cargo International AG, commented: “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.”