Rhomberg Sersa Rail has ordered five Alstom Prima H4 electro-diesel locomotives for delivery from mid-2022. Suitable for use across Switzerland including on trans-Alpine routes, they will be rated at 2 MW when using electric power and 900 kW in diesel mode, and be equipped with ETCS Level 2 and remote control.
Working with Salzgitter Flachstahl, Innofreight has updated the design of its RockTainer ORE 30ft container for iron ore or limestone traffic so that fine ores can be more completely unloaded, and so the side unloading flaps can be opened in pairs or at the same time. Slight design changes have also been made to the InnoWaggon 2×30 ft to raise the maximum speed when empty from 100 to 120 km/h. The first set of containers and wagons to the updated design was handed over to DB Cargo in October, and two more sets will follow in December and January. ‘Our equipment works, but that doesn’t mean it can’t always be further developed, changed and optimised. We deliver what our customers need’, said Innofreight.
Sinara Transport Machines’ Lyudinovsky Diesel Locomotive Plant supplied Gazpromtrans with a TEM9 at the end of October, with a TEM14 to follow during November. The companies are also discussing a transition to comprehensive long-term spare parts and after-sales support contracts.
PJ Monitoring and Voith are to pool their digitalisation, automation and automatic coupler expertise to develop an automatic CargoFlex design that will support remote controlled uncoupling.
The CD Cargo Poland subsidiary of Czech state freight operator ČD Cargo has awarded leasing company Akiem a contract to provide three Alstom Traxx DC3 3 kV DC electric locos, along with full servicing and maintenance.
VTG Rail Logistics launched full-service forwarding business VTG Rail Logistics Bulgaria on November 1, headed by Managing Director Liubomir Illiev. ‘Activities in Bulgaria spanning more than 20 years have given VTG an in-depth understanding of this market’, he said. ‘Having our own office on the ground will now help us respond even better to the needs of our customers in this highly promising market environment.’
The Port of Tyne is handling intermodal traffic to help ease the pressure caused by increased consumer demand and supply chain challenges in the UK, with GB Railfreight operating trains twice weekly to strategic rail hubs in Yorkshire and weekly to the Midlands. ‘As import volume levels grow, this campaign of services demonstrates how rail freight can offer a real solution to the current issues facing our busiest deep sea ports’, said GBRf CEO John Smith on November 12. ‘By unlocking extra capacity, this new flow can play a key role to ensure the timely and sustainable delivery of goods around the country.’
VTG Rail Russia has ordered 250 Type 13-9744-06 container wagons from Transportnoye Mashinostroyeniye for delivery from Q4 2021 to early 2022. The wagons have a capacity of 73 tonnes, and can carry high-capacity containers and tank containers up to 36 tonnes tare weight. ‘With Transmash we have found a strategic partner who supports our growth and development even in the current volatile market conditions’, said Olga Yakimova, General Director of VTG Rail Russia. ‘We decided to replenish our fleet with the railcars produced by Transmash due to their optimal ratio of price and quality.’
In response to lorry driver shortages, Terminales Marítimas del Sureste and Transfesa Logistics have launched a weekly refrigerated container service between Alacant and London.
