RheinCargo Invests in Sustainable Locomotives

The logistics service provider RheinCargo is also making significant investments in the modernization of its freight rail vehicles in 2023. Contracts have been signed with Siemens for the purchase of seven Vectron Dual Mode locomotives. Additionally, two more locomotives from the same manufacturer’s Smartron series have now been acquired.

(Köln/Neuss) Special attention is being paid to sustainability and environmental protection in the restructuring of the RheinCargo fleet. “Rail freight transport is inherently efficient and significantly more environmentally friendly compared to road transport. One train replaces up to 52 truck transports, and per ton-kilometer, a truck emits 110 times more CO2 than rail freight. With new efficient locomotives, this already positive ecological balance can be further improved,” explains Daniel Jacobs, responsible for vehicle management on the rail at RheinCargo, justifying the modernization initiative.

With the new Dual Mode vehicles, RC will gradually replace the diesel locomotives currently used in long-distance transport. Thanks to the hybrid concept, the locomotives can operate under overhead lines as well as on non-electrified routes. Since often only short sections or areas at the destination lack power supply, the main sections can be operated electrically. This drastically reduces emissions. The positive environmental balance is further enhanced by the fact that RheinCargo has been sourcing green electricity for the electric locomotives used in the company since the beginning of 2021.

Another advantage is the flexibility of the models: “The acquisition of the locomotives allows us to bid for new transport services that were previously unattractive due to the need for locomotive changes,” says Jacobs. RheinCargo has already been using three Dual Mode models for services between Duisburg, Bremen, and Bönen since the beginning of 2022, where diesel operation is only required on the first and last mile.

In addition to the ordered hybrid models, RheinCargo has acquired two more Smartron locomotives. The vehicles belong to Siemens’ Vectron family, meet the latest technical standards, and are particularly efficient and reliable. RheinCargo now owns a total of eight electric locomotives of this type. The two new vehicles will be deployed nationwide in Germany, with a focus on the southern regions.

Two new Smartron locomotives have already been delivered. The vehicles will subsequently be branded in the RheinCargo design – Photo: RheinCargo

“With the investments in the new vehicles, we are consistently implementing our corporate strategy for greater sustainability and environmental protection. Our customers also benefit from this, as they can improve their own climate balances,” explains Wolfgang Birlin, managing director responsible for the freight rail sector at RheinCargo.

Photo: © RheinCargo / Image caption: RheinCargo has ordered seven more Vectron Dual Mode locomotives. Three rented locomotives of this type are already in operation at RC.