BLS Cargo Orders 15 Multisystem Siemens Locomotives

The Swiss rail cargo specialist BLS Cargo has ordered 15 Vectron MS multisystem locomotives from Siemens that will be used in cross-border service in Germany (D), Austria (A), Switzerland (CH), Italy (I) and the Netherlands (NL). All traction and train control systems required for the north-south freight corridor are on board. The locomotive can reach speeds up to 200 km/h and has an output of 6,400 kW. Delivery will take place in three phases, and the first locomotives are scheduled to enter service in the second half of 2016.

“BLS Cargo conducted comprehensive trial runs and tests of the Vectron locomotive late in 2014 in regard to its energy consumption, traction performance, multisystem controls, operability and serviceability. The Vectron’s overall concept convinced us,” said Dirk Stahl, CEO of BLS Cargo AG.

Jochen Eickholt, CEO of Siemens’ rail business, added: “The outstanding performance of our Vectron locomotive was the decisive factor for this order. The locomotive’s design is based on a forward-looking, flexible concept that not only includes comprehensive country packages for pan-European operation, but also ensures the highest efficiency for our customer across its entire lifecycle.”

The Vectron is scalable with country and equipment packages and can thus be precisely configured to meet the respective transport tasks. Quickly available preferred variants ensure speedy delivery times. Thanks to the platform concept, the locomotives can also be later upgraded or converted with minimal effort for operation in the various corridors.