GERMANY: A framework agreement for the supply of up to 50 electric-battery shunting and main line locomotives has been signed by Paribus Rail Investment Management and Vossloh Locomotives.
Paribus Rail Investment Management and Paribus Group’s rail leasing business Northrail worked with Vossloh Locomotives and its parent company CRRC ZELC on the design of the DM20-EBB locomotive, based on Voslsoh’s DM20 which is capable of accommodating different drive modules.
The locos are intended for initial use in Germany and the Netherlands, and will be able to deliver 2 500 kW at the wheels when using AC electrification, 1 500 kW using DC overhead and 500 kW when powered by the 350 kWh battery.
‘The DM20 opens the door to the future’, said Dr Bernd Hoppe, Executive Director of Vossloh Locomotives, when the framework agreement was announced on June 23. ‘The hybrid drive concept makes completely emission-free railway operations possible for numerous applications.’
Paribus has signed the deal on behalf of its investment partner RIVE Private Investment. Northrail will handle asset management and leasing, with the manufacturer providing full service maintenance. The first locomotives are scheduled for delivery in mid-2024.
‘Developing innovative drive concepts and procuring fleets of appropriately equipped vehicles is a very interesting and important area of business from an investor’s perspective’, said Michael Trentzsch, Managing Director of Paribus Rail Investment Management.
‘The very high average age of over 40 years for the current fleet of shunting and medium-distance main line locomotives in the target market will ensure a considerable demand for replacements over the medium term’, he said. ‘And it is a demand which Northrail as the first lessor with a new generation of completely emission-free locomotives intends to meet.’
Camille Brunel, Partner at RIVE Private Investment, said ‘we see this project as a first milestone to create a European green rail platform in the shunting and medium distance main line locomotive segment.’
