Rolling stock leasing company Alpha Trains has signed a contract to buy twelve EURO9000 locomotives from Stadler.

The EURO9000 is a latest-generation six-axle hybrid multi-system locomotive. This is the first time that Alpha Trains have placed an order for it, although the company already has a fleet of 121 Stadler locomotives and 162 Stadler multiple-unit passenger trains. Alpha Trains operates in the European Union and European Free Trade Association regions of mainland Europe.

The twelve locos are scheduled to be delivered in 2025 and 2026, and will be built at Stadler’s factory in Valencia, Spain.

The German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) is funding the project with a total of 15 million Euros, as part of its rail funding guideline, which is coordinated by NOW GmbH and implemented by Project Management Jülich (PtJ).

The EURO9000 is a multisystem electric loco, which is also equipped with diesel power units. It is therefore able to haul freight on AC and DC electrified lines and on non-electrified track sections, including on international routes with mixed traffic.

It has advanced traction capability and a high performance level, making it well-suited to a range of freight services and to fit in with Alpha Trains’ sizeable and diverse portfolio. Alpha aims to reduce diesel consumption – and therefore pollution – by purchasing efficient and innovative alternative propulsion vehicles. This will enhance the sustainability of rail freight.

Fernando Pérez, CEO of Alpha Trains Group, said, “The purchase of the EURO9000 demonstrates our company’s position as a key player in the industry, and it reflects our commitment to providing leasing solutions that meet the specific needs of our customers. The exceptional power and efficiency of the EURO9000 locomotives is perfectly in line with our goal to promote sustainable and reliable transport solutions.”

Iñigo Parra, CEO of Stadler Valencia, said, “This new order reinforces our long-standing collaboration with Alpha Trains to offer the market locomotives that support the modal shift from road to rail by increasing the competitiveness of rail freight transport with sustainable, efficient and economically profitable solutions. The EURO9000 locomotive is the latest example.”