The ERA has granted vehicle type approval for two locomotives from the DE 18 series, including the DE 18 SmartHybrid, for France, Belgium and Luxembourg. For both the Kiel-based manufacturer Vossloh Rolling Stock and the launching-customer Nexrail, the homologation is an important milestone in their cooperation.

With the multi-country homologation (F/B/L) granted on 06 December 2024 by the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) for two types of the DE 18 series, the universal locomotive simultaneously adds a two new chapter to its operational life. First, it marks the approval of Europe’s first diesel-battery hybrid locomotive in the universal centre-cab segment. This solidifies the DE18s pivotal role in the transition of the rail market toward a fossil-free future. Second, it means the debut of the DE 18 in Belgium and the first centre-cab locomotive to combine the three countries.

‘Europe needs greener freight transport. Our DE 18 locomotives and DE 18 SmartHybrid in particular are setting the right course for this goal,’ emphasises Henrik M. Egeter, Spokesman of the Management Board of Vossloh Rolling Stock. ‘With the three- country version for France, Belgium and Luxembourg, we enable our customers – above all Nexrail – to use a highly efficient locomotive in cross-border traffic in every respect.’ While the diesel-electric DE 18 locomotive has been highly reliable in shunting, railway construction and mainline operations since its TSI approval and market launch in 2014, it has continually moved with the times, for example with the introduction of the Stage V engine for cleaner operation in 2022. The DE 18, as the most powerful centre-cab locomotive in Europe, continues to set standards in the railway industry with its powerful drive system. At the same time, thanks to the possibility of using environmentally friendly HVO fuel in combination with intelligent operating modes, it offers considerable advantages both in terms of operating costs and low-emission operation.

In 2021, Nexrail signed a 120 locomotive framework agreement with Vossloh Rolling Stock for the purchase of the DE 18 SmartHybrid.

‘Since varied and quite demanding areas of application await the DE 18 locomotives,’ says Luuk von Meijenfeldt, CEO of Nexrail, ’we welcome the multi-country approval that has been achieved. We also appreciate that Vossloh Rolling Stock deliberately opted for a joint approval application for the DE 18 F/B/L (MV28003) and the DE 18 SmartHybrid F/B/L (MV28004). This enabled an efficient and time-saving process without a second, subsequent approval process.’

To fulfil the national requirements, the entire process was carried out in close cooperation with the authorities in France, Belgium and Luxembourg. The assessment was carried out by long-standing partner Certifer Belgorail. While the homologation for France and Luxembourg were technically updated, the DE 18 has now been approved for Belgium for the first time. The DE 18 SmartHybrid receives its initial homologation.

Press contact:

Vossloh Rolling Stock GmbH:
Verena Jeroch
Head of Communication & Marketing
Phone: +49 (431) 3999-2613
Email: verena.jeroch@vl-rs.com

Northrail, the Hamburg-based leasing provider and manager of rail vehicles, concludes a purchase agreement for ten ETCS-equipped DE 18 Stage V locomotives. The contractual partner is Vossloh Rolling Stock GmbH. With this purchase, Northrail is expanding its existing commitment in Sweden and at the same time consistently driving forward its internationalization.

Hamburg/Kiel, November 18, 2024 – Northrail GmbH (Northrail) announces the conclusion of a purchase agreement for ten ETCS-equipped DE 18 Stage V locomotives with the manufacturer Vossloh Rolling Stock GmbH (Vossloh Rolling Stock). In addition to the locomotives on firm order, the purchase agreement includes an option for further ten identical locomotives. The first DE 18 locomotives are to be delivered in the second half of 2025. Northrail arranged and structured the investment together with its parent company, RIVE Tangible Assets Income Fund, managed by RIVE Private Investment, an independent European investment firm specialized in transportation assets and energy transition. Northrail is responsible for the commercial and technical management of the locomotives.

The four-axle DE 18 locomotives, which are approved for both Sweden and Norway, are equipped with the ETCS L2 (BL3 R2) and STM ATC-2 signaling systems. With an engine output of 1,800 kW, they are suitable for heavy shunting and mainline service and have a low-emission Stage V engine with numerous additional functions such as the start-stop function, which contribute to significant fuel savings. In addition, the engines are already prepared and approved for the use of synthetic HVO fuel (Hydrogenated Vegetable Oils), a fuel that provides up to 50 % savings of greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions. Additionally, the locomotives’ energy-efficient engines, allow for improved operational and maintenance economics. Operators replacing their overaged shunting assets by these factory new DE 18 locomotives will be able to reduce by up to 40 % their GHG emissions.

“This acquisition represents another milestone in our internationalization strategy and opens up new opportunities for us in the very attractive Scandinavian market,” says Michael Trentzsch, Chief Investment Officer and Chief Commercial Officer of Northrail AG. “We are convinced that this is the ideal time to invest in this market and see a great need for modern, low-emission locomotives in Sweden and Norway. With the DE 18 locomotives, we can meet this demand and sustainably expand our service offering in both countries.”

Northrail will thus be the first supplier of DE 18 locomotives in the Swedish and Norwegian markets. Henrik Egeter, Managing Director of Vossloh Rolling Stock GmbH, is pleased about the joint commitment in this important focus market. “Northrail's move underlines not only their confidence in our technology, but also the importance of sustainable and efficient solutions for the rail industry in Scandinavia. That is why we are equipping the DE 18 locomotive with a climate-focused performance package that impresses with its strong traction performance and reliable ease of use.” Camille Brunel, Partner of RIVE Private Investment, adds “Bringing such innovative locomotives as the DE 18 to the Swedish and Norwegian markets supports decarbonization of land transportation and improves rail efficiency. We are delighted to be contributing to these efforts by providing financing via RIVE Tangible Assets Income Fund”.

Press enquiries:

Corporate and press information Vossloh Rolling Stock:
Verena Jeroch
Head of Communication & Marketing
Telefon: +49 (431) 3999-2613
E-Mail: verena.jeroch@vl-rs.com

Corporate and press information Northrail:
Michael Trentzsch, Chief Investment Officer und Chief Commercial Officer
Northrail AG, Königstraße 28, 22767 Hamburg
Telefon: +49 162 288 82 84
E-Mail: michael.trentzsch@northrail.eu

Ulrike Börger, Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications
Northrail GmbH, Königstraße 28, 22767 Hamburg
Telefon: +49 151 504 405 15
E-Mail: ulrike.boerger@northrail.eu

PR agency Northrail:
Sven Lindner, Manager Editorial
public imaging GmbH, Goldbekplatz 3, 22303 Hamburg
Telefon: +49 40 40 19 99-298
E-Mail: sven.lindner@publicimaging.de

Jörg Brans, Mitglied der Geschäftsleitung/Senior Consultant
public imaging GmbH, Goldbekplatz 3, 22303 Hamburg
Telefon: +49 40 40 19 99-31
E-Mail: joerg.brans@publicimaging.de

Corporate and press information RIVE Private Investment:
Camille Brunel, Partner, Transportation Assets
RIVE Private Investment, 27 Rue de la Ville-l’Evêque, 75008 Paris, France
Telefon: +33 1 82 83 63 00
E-Mail: brunel@rive-investment.com

Bénédicte Debusschère, Pressekontakt
Bien Commun Advisory, 17 rue de la Banque, 75002 Paris, France
Telefon: +33 6 48 56 70 71
E-Mail: b.debusschere@bcadvisory.fr

SPITZKE SE orders ten low-emission DE 18 Stage V locomotives from Vossloh Rolling Stock.

In a decisive step towards promoting environmentally friendly rail transport, SPITZKE SE and Vossloh Rolling Stock GmbH signed a supply contract for ten low-emission DE 18 Stage V locomotives on 26 March 2024. This order demonstrates the commitment of both companies to a sustainable future in the transport sector.

The DE 18 Stage V locomotives, which are to be delivered from summer 2025, will be used by the SPITZKE subsidiary, SLG SPITZKE LOGISTIK GmbH, where they will play a central role in domestic supply traffic for SPITZKE construction projects and in the realisation of transport services for SLG's customers in the industry. Within the SPITZKE Group, SLG SPITZKE LOGISTIK GmbH is a European rail transport company, logistics service provider and specialist waste disposal company and handles both the logistics of railway construction sites and transport by rail.

Mark Fisher, CTO at SPITZKE SE, emphasises: "Our decision in favour of the universal locomotive meets the specific need to increase our capacity for the maintenance and revitalisation of rail infrastructure. Never before has a reliable railway infrastructure been so important and the volume of challenging major projects so large as it is today. In addition to the trusting cooperation over many years and the outstanding performance values of the DE 18, the high quality of the locomotives and their flexible application options as well as the prompt delivery options were decisive factors in the decision to purchase the DE 18 from Vossloh Rolling Stock," emphasises Mark Fisher from SPITZKE.

An outstanding feature of the DE 18 Stage V locomotives is their certified use of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oils (HVO) without the need for vehicle modifications. Henrik M. Egeter, CEO of Vossloh Rolling Stock, emphasises: "With the same performance and range as fossil diesel, high-quality HVO fuel made from 100% renewable raw materials burns significantly cleaner. In addition to reducing CO2 emissions by up to 90%, the use of HVO fuels also leads to a significant reduction in particulate matter and exhaust emissions." Henrik M. Egeter is also delighted with the collaboration: "With this order, we are not only continuing a long-standing partnership with SPITZKE. Above all, we are delighted that we were able to convince SPITZKE of the reliability of our locomotive." The DE 18 is characterised by its high performance in every speed range, fuel-saving operating modes and highly efficient engine management. SPITZKE's decision in favour of the DE 18 Stage V locomotives underlines the common goal of both companies to develop innovative and sustainable solutions for the freight transport of the future. With their combination of performance and environmental compatibility, they represent an important milestone on the road to green rail freight transport.

Pressekontakt

Vossloh Rolling Stock GmbH:
Verena Jeroch
Head of Communication & Marketing
Phone: +49 (431) 3999-2613
E-Mail: verena.jeroch@vl-rs.com

SPITZKE SE:
Kristin Gebhardt
Corporate Communications and Marketing
Phone: +49 (33701) 901-20163
E-Mail: presse@spitzke.de

Purchased 8 DE 18 locomotives, manufactured by Vossloh Rolling Stock, used by RFI in the Strait of Messina and for maintenance operations

Mercitalia Shunting & Terminal, a company of the FS Italiane Group's Polo Logistica, is expanding its fleet with the purchase of eight locomotives for shunting services and as rescue trains on the line.

The DE 18 locomotives manufactured by Vossloh Rolling Stock are already being used by Rete Ferroviaria Italiana, leader of the FS infrastructure Business Unit, for shunting work on the ferries in the Strait of Messina and by the infrastructure departments in Naples and Turin for line maintenance.

The purchase of the locomotives, including the maintenance service provided by IMATEQ Italia, is part of the logistics centre's investment plan to modernise and renew its fleet, with a particular focus on sustainability and environmental protection.

The DE 18 locomotive built by Vossloh Rolling Stock is all about environmental protection: it reduces pollutant emissions, lowers fuel consumption and minimises CO2 emissions by up to 95 percent for the same performance when operated with regenerative fuels such as HVO and, in future, PtX.

The approximately 17-metre-long, 4-metre-high and 3-metre-wide DE 18s chosen by Mercitalia Shunting & Terminal are equipped with systems for demand-based power optimisation. This means that the benefits of environmentally friendly rail freight transport can also be utilised where the line is not electrified.

All locomotives are equipped with ETCS, SCMT and SSC, the technological systems specific to all Italian lines, which guarantee operators maximum flexibility.

The locomotives Yasmina, Alessia, Barbara, Franca and Sylvana will be used on the 'Strait of Messina', while Arya, Nadia and Lucia will be used for maintenance work.

Media contact

Vossloh Rolling Stock GmbH:
Verena Jeroch
Head of Communication & Marketing
Telefon: +49 (431) 3999-2613
E-Mail: verena.jeroch@vl-rs.com

Mercitalia Logistics S.p.A.:
Marco Simonell
Communication Polo Logistica
Telefon: +39 334 6584595
E-Mail: m.simonelli@mercitalialogistics.it

Kiel, 23rd of October, 2023, Vossloh Rolling Stock and RAILPOOL have signed several contracts for the delivery of 45 Modula locomotives in two versions with the option to purchase a further 152. RAILPOOL is thus expanding its ultra-modern fleet for the German market. With the Modula, which epitomizes intelligent and sustainable mobility, RAILPOOL is providing its customers with future-proof traction solutions for both heavy shunting work and freight transportation.

On the 20th of October, 2023, RAILPOOL and Vossloh Rolling Stock in Kiel signed several framework agreements for the delivery of 45 Modula locomotives and the option of a further 152 locomotives. The delivery of the firm order for Modula locomotives begins in mid-2026 and runs until the end of 2027. The optional call-off locomotive orders will be filled by mid-2029, and both locomotive versions will also be available with German-Dutch approvals for use.

As one of the leading European rail-vehicle leasing companies, RAILPOOL has one of the most extensive and modern fleets for European cross-border rail transport comprising around 500 electric mainline locomotives. As an entry into the shunting locomotive market and in order to achieve its growth targets in the German market, the Munich-based company has opted for the Modula platform in the 1000 kW hybrid (dual engine plus battery – BDD) and the EDD-Modula rated at 2.5 MW (catenary plus 1000 kW diesel engine). Says Torsten Lehnert, CEO of RAILPOOL, "Around 60 percent of the locomotives in Europe are over 30 years old and at the end of their product life cycles. Shunting locomotives, in fact, are on average over 40 years old. By purchasing the Modula locomotives, we aim to offer our customers the attractive prospect of being able to switch easily to leasing new, sustainable and energy-efficient vehicles and providing their operations personnel with a modern working environment while still enjoying the usual RAILPOOL service quality. Both Modula versions can run on synthetic fuels and therefore meet the highest environmental standards. Their innovative vehicle designs allow the best possible use of the track infrastructure, and they’re also perfectly designed for both heavy shunting work and freight transport."

Dr. Bernd Hoppe, Executive Director and General Manager of Vossloh Rolling Stock, is delighted with the new partnership with RAILPOOL. "Our shared values unite us. The desire to assure the best availability coupled with the responsibility of making a significant contribution to the shift in modes of transport and make freight transport climate-neutral over the long term form the basis of trust on which our sustainable collaboration is built."

With the most versatile platform concept on the European market, the Modula offers a high number of non-variable parts and extensively flexible, usage-based maintenance that depends on the number of kilometers the locomotive has traveled and the time it has spent in operation. RAILPOOL will be making the new locomotives available to lease on the German market in conjunction with its proven full-service model. ln so doing it will profit from its own network of workshops – a prerequisite for anticipatory maintenance and dependable vehicle scheduling of the vehicles.

Low maintenance costs and the optimal use of the "lifespan reserve" are achieved thanks to sensors for the critical locomotive components that analyze and evaluate the condition of the systems using threshold values and monitoring logic. In the event of a malfunction, the interactive service team can patch into the locomotive to find the root cause and a solution to the problem quickly in conjunction with the virtual back office comprising Fleet Management, Engineering or the supplier. At the same time, the uninterrupted data evaluation during operation of the most important locomotive parameters facilitates constant analysis in order to identify problems before they occur and develop the appropriate technical solutions early in order to improve the product. Analyses of sensor data make it possible to better anticipate and schedule maintenance, thus reducing vehicle downtime.

In addition to securing the reliable provision of replacement parts, the long-term partnership concluded between RAILPOOL and Vossloh Rolling Stock also covers the further development of technical features and maintenance based on the experience gained during the Modula fleet’s operations. The high level of flexibility to accommodate future modifications and improvements is also evident in the redesigned driver’s console. The classic controls and instrumentation specified in the standards combined with modern displays to control the locomotive’s various functions provide very good operability and meet the highest ergonomic standards.

Contact

Vossloh Rolling Stock GmbH:
Verena Jeroch
Head of Communication & Marketing
Telephone: +49 (431) 3999-2613
Email: verena.jeroch@vl-rs.com

Kiel, 19 October 2023, Less than four months after signing the contract, the BBL LOGISTIK Group orders five optional DE 18 Stage V locomotives. "We are convinced of the overall concept of the low-emission DE 18," emphasises Jens Ziese, Managing Director at BBL LOGISTIK. "Thanks to the certified use of environmentally friendly HVO fuel, we can contribute to a reduction in CO2 emissions even in the area of new infrastructure construction and maintenance - i.e. on non-electrified routes."

"Needless to say, we are delighted to be expanding our cooperation with BBL LOGISTIK so quickly," adds Dr Bernd Hoppe, CEO of Vossloh Rolling Stock. Delivery of the now 15 DE 18 locomotives is scheduled for 2024.

Media contact

Vossloh Rolling Stock GmbH:
Verena Jeroch
Head of Communication & Marketing
Telephone: +49 (431) 3999-2613
Email: verena.jeroch@vl-rs.com

• Product and service expert for center-cab locomotives and railway undertaking confirm letter of intent
• Letter of intent for locomotives running on hydrogen marks milestone within the mobility revolution

Munich, 9th of May, 2023: Vossloh Rolling Stock, manufacturer and service expert for locomotives, is showcasing itself as an old-established company with a spirit for innovation at transport logistic, the international exhibition for logistics, mobility, IT and supply chain management in Munich. duisport rail is also there exhibiting as a freight transport service-provider boasting experience and vision in equal measure. The two companies are linked by a collaborative partnership of many years’ standing – and by a joint agreement for the future: a newly signed letter of intent (LOI) for hydrogen-powered locomotives.

The setting for the two companies’ official agreement for up to two Modula locomotives with hydrogen drives is the four-day fair transport logistic, which attracts an international audience of professionals to Munich every two years. “This letter of intent sends a strong signal”, points out Dr. Bernd Hoppe, Executive Director and General Manager of Vossloh Rolling Stock, “about our company, our collaboration with duisport rail and about hydrogen as a key component unlocking eco-friendly answers to the questions posed by the future.” Dr. Hoppe added that, in addition to technology and infrastructure, resolute cohesion on the part of all the industry’s stakeholders would be needed for the mobility revolution to succeed. There were already signs that this collaboration would provide a shining example of this cohesion when Duisburger Hafen AG initiated a preliminary study on hydrogen-powered shunting locomotives in 2022. That study gave Vossloh Rolling Stock the opportunity to contribute expertise in the form of information and measurements.

In addition to the powerful, versatile and energy-efficient four-axle DE 18, Vossloh Rolling Stock is also presenting its future-oriented Modula model at the fair. This locomotive features hybrid configurations and equipment that can be selected to suit the respective areas of operation. It also features built-in compatibility with upcoming drive options such as hydrogen-based drive systems.

The owner of duisport rail, Duisburger Hafen AG, is currently erecting a new container terminal in Europe’s largest inland port. The new terminal’s operations will be largely climate-neutral. “Our concept also includes shunting locomotives with hydrogen drives”, explains Hans-Georg Christiansen, Executive Director and Head of Rail Operations at duisport rail. “Some of the diesel locomotives currently in operation will be replaced by hybrid models. We have high hopes for hydrogen as a future alternative with the vehicles that essentially shunt outside the electrified rail network. These new Modula locomotives are ideally suited to this strategy because they can be perfectly calibrated to the respective shunting operations and they contribute enormous synergy potential when combined with the battery-powered Modula EBB version, two of which are going into service at the Port of Duisburg in 2025.”

PR contact
Vossloh Rolling Stock
Verena Jeroch
Head of Communication & Marketing
Phone: +49 (0) 431 39 99-2613
E-Mail: verena.jeroch@vl-rs.com

PR contact
duisport rail
Michael Albers
Managing Director
Phone: +49 (0) 203 803-4276
E-Mail: michael.albers@duisport.de

Kiel, 18. April 2023, The European Railway Agency (ERA) has approved Vossloh Rolling Stock’s DE 18 Stage V mixed-traffic locomotive for use on the Italian railway network. “Now that our powerful flagship locomotive has successfully positioned itself with Italian operators and is being used to provide a host of strategic services, we’re employing the latest engine technology to increase both the deployment radius and the versatility of the DE 18 for our customers”, says Dr. Bernd Hoppe, CEO of Vossloh Rolling Stock.

Latest generation engines for more variable applications 
The Stage V engines set themselves apart thanks to particularly low emissions that remain well below the legal limits without the use of either urea-based or any other additives. And using them in combination with the ‘Low Emission’ function developed by Vossloh Rolling Stock halves the measured values again, making the DE 18 Stage V locomotive suitable for use on construction sites or in areas with special emission requirements like tunnels or marshaling yards. Taking the environmental concept further, the engines have been engineered to also be able to run on HVO biofuels without requiring modifications, which can reduce CO 2 emissions by up to 55 percent.

Highest priority market
With its extensive railway network and one of the highest volumes of rail freight traffic in Europe, Italy has been one of Vossloh Rolling Stock’s target markets since the beginning. “The growing demand for powerful locomotives resulting from the trend in Italy towards longer and heavier trains comes at a perfect time for us to participate in this growth with our sophisticated DE 18 and the latest generation of engines. We’re encountering a very good business climate in Italy ripe for technological change,” says Dr. Hoppe. “With the DE 18 Stage V, we’re proud to be able to provide our Italian customers with a state-of the-art traction vehicle that is even more versatile and gives them more scope to drastically reduce environmental impacts with environmentally-friendly fleet management.”

PRContact
Vossloh Rolling Stock
Verena Jeroch
Head of Communication & Marketing
Phone: +49 (0) 431 39 99-2613
E-Mail: verena.jeroch@vl-rs.com

Read the press release here

Kiel, 18. January 2022 DB Cargo and Vossloh Locomotives signed an order for 50 hybrid locomotives and a framework agreement with an option for a further 200 locomotives in Frankfurt and Kiel at the end of last year. Their delivery and the  successive renewal of the customer's vehicle fleet for domestic German freight transport will begin from 2024.

The selected DM 20 BDD drive variant has two diesel generator sets and a traction battery as energy storage. While the output of both latest-generation diesel engines is more than 900 kW and optimised control of the second engine at the  ptimum operating point enables significantly reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, the battery capacity is over 120 kWh. The energy storage system with extremely safe and durable lithium titanate cells can be charged both externally (plug-in) and while driving, e.g. by using the braking energy.

Dr Bernd Hoppe, CEO of Vossloh Locomotives GmbH, is delighted with the tender win: "The framework agreement underpins the continued confidence of Germany's largest logistics provider in rail freight transport in our long-established company  and the Kiel production site. At the same time, it confirms that with our innovative platform concept for the DM 20 hybrid locomotive, we are putting a long-term future-proof success package on the rails. This  centre-cab locomotive is ideally  suited to the range of tasks at DB Cargo, both in shunting and mainline operations."

Thanks to the fully redundant drive train, the customer can flexibly convert the vehicles for later catenary operation with energy storage, if required, in order to completely dispense with the use of diesel engines in this way. In addition to this so-called EBB drive variant, which Vossloh Locomotives has already sold to several customers, DB Cargo can even retroactively integrate energy storage and energy generation technologies that will be available in the future.

Vossloh Locomotives GmbH
Verena Jeroch
Head of Communication and Marketing
Telefon: (+49-431) 3999 – 2613
E-Mail: Verena.Jeroch@vl-rs.com

Kiel, Germany / September 29, 2021 Siemens Mobility is equipping Vossloh Locomotives’ new DM 20 Dual Mode locomotive platform with the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2, which will be mandatory in the future. This automatic train control system is standardized throughout Europe and will initially be installed in 100 of the locomotive manufacturer’s four-axle hybrid locomotives so that they can be used in cross-border operations in the Netherlands, Germany and Austria.

"Interconnecting transport and information systems is forming the basis for the mobility of tomorrow in Europe." explains Dr. Bernd Hoppe, Executive Director and General Manager of Vossloh Locomotives. "Equipping our eco-friendly DM 20 with the ETCS Level 2 is already making us a part of this sustainable future, and awarding Siemens the order marks the start of a long-term partnership in the ETCS field." André Rodenbeck, CEO of Rail Infrastructure at Siemens Mobility points out: "The maintenance-free ETCS technology is a proven system for safe, cross-border freight traffic. With this equipment we’re helping Vossloh Locomotives to increase the safety and interoperability of its fleet."

Vossloh Locomotives and Siemens Mobility already have some experience working together. The Munichbased company recently equipped Type DE 18 locomotives with the Trainguard Basic inductive intermittent train control technology and set them up for ETCS operation.

There are still around 20 train control systems in use in Europe alone, and they’re generally not compatible. The European countries have consequently committed to equipping the six most important rail traffic corridors with the standardized European ETCS signaling system. Harmonizing the systems and processes is intended to improve the reliability of cross-border rail operations and enable train traffic to flow without being interrupted by technical obstacles. In addition to the latest ETCS versions (Baseline 3, Release 2), national train signaling systems are also being prepared for this cross-border traffic.

Vossloh Locomotives
Verena Jeroch
Head of Communication and Marketing
Telephone: (+49-431) 3999 – 2613
E-mail: Verena.Jeroch@vl-rs.com

InfraVia-backed rolling stock lessor Nexrail Lease and Vossloh Locomotives have entered into an exclusive agreement for:

• the purchase of a leasing pool of 53 modern shunting locomotives under lease and
• an order of up to 50 DE 18 Stage V SmartHybrid locomotives for the wider Benelux region.

Kiel, Germany / September 15, 2021 Vossloh Locomotives, Nexrail Lease (Nexrail) and InfraVia Capital Partners (InfraVia) are pleased to announce that they have entered into an exclusive agreement to carve out the existing leasing pool of shunting locomotives under operating leases to European rail operators and industrial groups in Germany, France, Italy, Belgium and Luxembourg and build up to 50 new DE 18 Stage V SmartHybrid locomotives for the Benelux market.

The pool consists of 53 modern and fuel / emission efficient Vossloh shunting locomotives with an average age of less than 5 years. The main types are DE 18, DE 12, G 6, and G 1000. The locomotives, together with the underlying lease, will be transferred to Nexrail, a newly created rolling stock lessor. In addition, up to 50 DE 18 Stage V SmartHybrid locomotives were ordered. The new, universal, four-axle mid-cab locomotives features a powerful (1,800 kW) and fuel-efficient diesel engine with reduced ecological footprint (Stage V emission standard) as well as an additional traction battery (144 kW), enabling up to one hour of emission-free operation combined with fuel savings of 20–50%. Equipped with ETCS, including an upgrade option to level 2, the locomotives will cover a unique homologation area consisting for Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Germany and parts of the Netherlands. By combining the latest technological advancements, the DE 18 Stage V SmartHybrid is considered as the most flexible locomotive of its kind, equally suited to heavy shunting and mainline operations as well as infrastructure tasks in construction site operations. Under the agreement, Nexrail will be the exclusive provider of this type of modern locomotives for the Belgium market.

As the European market leader for mid-cab locomotives, Vossloh Locomotives, based in Kiel, Germany, is a subsidiary of CRRC ZELC since 2020 and thus belonging to the world's largest manufacturer of rail vehicles, CRRC Corporation Limited (CRRC). By combining the extensive experience gathered over 150 years of building locomotives with the latest international expertise, Vossloh Locomotives is building rail vehicles that constantly set new standards in their respective fields of application. With its rail vehicles, platform concepts and in close partnership with CRRC ZELC, new opportunities to make an important contribution to safe and eco-friendly freight transportation throughout Europe are presenting themselves.

Supported by infrastructure private equity investor InfraVia, Nexrail is a new ROSCO established by a strong management team chaired by Neil Bennett, the founder and former COO of Beacon Rail. Key Executives of the Nexrail team include CEO Luuk von Meijenfeldt, CCO Mark Remie and CTO Bernd Wagner. Nexrail ambitions is to become a leading platform offering hybrid/dual mode traction and innovative locomotives and specialized rolling stock to its clients. With this partnership with Vossloh Locomotives, and the ongoing development of partnerships with the biofuel and e-fuel ecosystem, Nexrail will be at the forefront of the energy transition journey of the non-electrified part of the railway network.

At the signing ceremony in Kiel, Dr. Bernd Hoppe, Executive Director and General Manager of Vossloh Locomotives, stated: "We have put a lot of energy and know-how into the development of the DE 18. We are proud to say that it is a fuel efficient locomotive without compromise in every respect, offering our customers maximum versatility in terms of applications, economic and ecological advantages, and thus investment security, both in its mature configuration and in the SmartHybrid version. Through the transactions with Nexrail and InfraVia, we will jointly make a significant contribution to the provision of highly efficient and environmentally friendly rail freight services in the extended Benelux region for decades to come."

Neil Bennett, Executive Chairman of Nexrail Lease stated: “Nexrail brings together a team of locomotive investment and management specialists to deliver innovative, full-service leasing solutions through a fleet of modern locomotives that enable operators and industrials to meet their sustainability targets. Nexrail is already developing plans to introduce sustainable fuels and battery hybrid solutions across all its markets. This transaction with Vossloh Locomotives and the order of the DE 18 Stage V SmartHybrid for the Benelux market is the inaugural step of our own journey as a lessor. We are looking forward to working with Vossloh Locomotives in multiple markets and I am very excited to be starting this journey with the management team and InfraVia.”

Luuk von Meijenfeldt, CEO of Nexrail: “With the investment that Nexrail is making today, we are sending a strong signal to the market that Nexrail is their partner for locomotives on non-electrified parts of the network all over Europe. For our Belgium clients, it is a particularly important message because our DE 18 Stage V SmartHybrid is not just the first hybrid locomotive of its kind but also the first mid-cab locomotive introduction to Belgium in twenty years. You can expect more of such introductions from us all over Europe. The whole management team is looking forward to discussing with our clients their locomotive needs across all power ranges, all innovative traction technologies, and all alternative fuels.”

Athanasios Zoulovits, Partner at InfraVia Capital Partners, stated: “We are very pleased to announce the signing of this landmark agreement between Nexrail and Vossloh Locomotives. The rail freight transport market is growing continuously. This positive tailwind is expected to gain further momentum driven by the virtuous role rail plays in reducing carbon intensity of supply chains. The strong replacement needs of the aged European rail locomotive stock driven by regulatory requirements on emissions and signalling and the increasing demand of operators for innovative full-service leasing solutions provide further support to the investment thesis of the Nexrail team which we are delighted to support.”

About Vossloh Locomotives
State-of-the-art mid-cab locomotives from Vossloh Locomotives lead the way throughout Europe. For the European market leader, attributes such as economy, flexibility, and environmental friendliness are in focus during development, construction, and production. For all kinds of maintenance issues, Vossloh Locomotives also offers solutions that are oriented toward the specific needs of customers. In the competence centres, operators also obtain extensive services involving all aspects of state-of-the-art shunting and mainline locomotives. With the changeover in 2020 to the new parent company CRRC ZELC, the long-established company has opened another international chapter. For more information, visit www.vl-rs.com

About Nexrail Lease
Nexrail is a rolling stock lessor operating in Western Europe. Its current portfolio of ca. 100 locomo-tives (53 operational and 50 under order) is currently dedicated to the freight and shunting markets with clients located in Germany, France, Italy, Belgium and Luxembourg. Nexrail was created by a group of seasoned rail leasing professionals with the ambition to become the leading European platform offering hybrid/dual mode traction and innovative locomotives and specialized rolling stock to its clients. Nexrail Lease is a portfolio company of funds managed by InfraVia Capital Partners. www.nexrail.lease

About InfraVia
InfraVia is a leading independent private equity firm, specialized in infrastructure and technology investments. InfraVia supports entrepreneurs and companies in their growth journey and help them to expand their businesses and transform them into top-tier platforms. Since 2008, InfraVia has been raised more than EUR 7.4 billion of capital and invested in 30+ companies across 13 European countries. www.infraviacapital.com

Press contacts at Vossloh Locomotives:
Verena Jeroch | Head of Communication & Marketing | Verena.Jeroch@vl-rs.com |+49 (0431) 3999 –2613

Press contacts at Nexrail Lease:
Luuk von Meijenfeldt | CEO | luuk.vonmeijenfeldt@nexrail.lease
Mark Remie | CCO | mark.remi@nexrail.lease
Bernd Wagner | CTO | bernd.wagner@nexrail.lease

Press contacts at InfraVia Capital Partners:
Vincent Levita | InfraVia, Gründer und CEO | vlevita@infraviacapital.com | +33 (0)1 40 68 17 38
Antoine Denry | Taddeo | antoine.denry@taddeo.fr | +33 (0) 6 18 07 83 2

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With ERA type approval of the DE18 locomotive in Italy, Vossloh Locomotives is reinforcing its market position and further developing interoperability on the European rail network.

With the approval of DE 18 Locomotive in Italy, Vossloh Locomotives is further enhancing interoperability in the markets across Europe. The four-axle universal locomotive, which continues to excel as the most powerful mid-cab locomotive on the European market, has established itself as a state-of-the-art industry standard since 2014. Today, more than 130 of these locomotives are reliably performing their services in a variety of extremely demanding shunting, freight and rescue applications. Equipped with selectable operating modes, these locomotives are suitable for powerful, economical and low-emission operations.

With the implementation of the 4th Railway Package, the EU Railway Agency took over responsibility for issuing vehicle authorizations: "This first ERA approval for one of our locomotives is an important milestone for us," stressed Dr. Bernd Hoppe, Executive Director and General Manager of Vossloh Locomotives GmbH. "I’d like to thank all the employees for the dedication they showed in working so closely with the EU Railway Agency, the Italian safety authority ANSFISA and the infrastructure manager RFI in order to ensure the new approval process requirements were met."

All the Italian DE 18 locomotives are equipped with the specific Italian SCMT/SSC systems as well as the European Train Control System (ETCS). Furthermore, the locomotives benefit from the well-established IMATEQ organization in Rivalta Scrivia. The technicians at IMATEQ are ready to support DE18 maintenance with a service portfolio tailor-made to suit customer requirements across all levels from classic spare parts management to ECMcertified services and the management of entire fleets. IMATEQ also gives operators the option to rent the product, which adds value to the service portfolio and rounds off the product we bring to market.

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At the end of intensive preparation, the acquisition of Vossloh Locomotives GmbH and its subsidiaries by CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co., Ltd., Zhuzhou, China (CRRC ZELC) on

June 01, 2020 has reached the long expected closing. CRRC ZELC, a key subsidiary of CRRC (China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation Ltd.), is a global leading rolling stock equipment manufacturer. Vossloh Locomotives is the first company that CRRC ZELC is acquiring in Europe.

Upon completion of the transaction, Vossloh Locomotives will be operated with all its subsidiaries under unchanged brand name and as an independent legal entity. Neither personnel-related nor structural changes are anticipated for the German locations in Kiel and Moers or the European subsidiaries. The paramount goal is to retain engineering expertise for the production of existing products and to promote new product developments with innovative drive concepts through a partnership structure.

In addition, CRRC ZELC will bring ‘its products, technology, supply chain and R&D capabilities to complement Vossloh Locomotives’ value proposition. The new Vossloh Locomotives and CRRC ZELC will work closely to improve and innovate the offerings to their highly valued clients.

Both Vossloh Locomotives and CRRC ZELC value long-term business relationships and collective development of their portfolio. “With CRRC ZELC’s strategic investment, the new Vossloh Locomotives will embark on a greater journey and rejuvenate her 150-year history”, says Dr. Bernd Hoppe, Chairman of the Board of Vossloh Locomotives, about the restart.

Vossloh Locomotives
State-of-the-art shunting locomotives from Vossloh Locomotives have been leading the way throughout Europe. For the European market leader, such attributes as profitability, flexibility and eco-friendliness are in focus during development, construction and production. For all kinds of maintenance issues, Vossloh Locomotives also offers solutions that are oriented toward the specific needs of customers. In the competence center, operators also obtain extensive services involving all aspects of state-of-the-art shunting locomotives.

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