The UK rolling stock leasing company Beacon Rail has ordered ten Vectron MS multi-system locomotives from Siemens Mobility which it plans to operate in Europe along the Rhine-Alpine corridor and between North Sea ports and the European hinterland.

Beacon Rail currently 170 Vectron locomotives, and this latest order will allow its locomotives to haul trains throughout Europe from the Dutch North Sea to the Mediterranean coast.

The Vectron MS multi-system locomotives that have been ordered can operate on the various electrical systems of the different countries through which they will be used, as the design has been received operational approval from 20 European countries. They feature a maximum power at wheel of 6.4 megawatts and a top speed of 160 km/h, and will be fitted with the European Train Control System (ETCS) Baseline 3 as well as the national train control systems of the countries in which they will operate.

Siemens Mobility will construct the locomotives at its factory at Munich-Allach in Germany. This latest order adds to the 1,850 Vectron locomotives that Siemens Mobility has sold to date, and which have covered over 800 million kilometres in service.

Albrecht Neumann, CEO Rolling Stock of Siemens Mobility, said “We are very pleased about the order from Beacon Rail. Their trust in us shows that our Vectron locomotives stand for reliability and flexibility in European passenger and freight transport. With the ordered Vectron MS, cross-border operations are possible in ten different European countries. This generates another contribution to make transportation on rail attractive.”

Adam Cunliffe, CEO Beacon Rail, added “Beacon Rail is delighted that, following its recent acquisition of Mitsui Rail Capital Europe, it has ordered 10 additional Vectron locomotives to support the company’s commitment to the European 4-axle electric rail freight and passenger markets. Beacon looks forward to further enhancing its relationship with Siemens Mobility.”