Ukraine Railways & Alstom: 55 Traxx Hauler Locomotives, EBRD Funding

Introduction

Alstom has been contracted by Ukrainian Railways to deliver 55 Traxx Hauler dual-voltage locomotives. The agreement, finalized in Paris, is primarily funded through a €300m loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and a $190m investment grant from the World Bank’s Ukraine Relief, Recovery, Reconstruction and Reform Trust Fund.

Locomotive Procurement and Financing

The contract between Ukrainian Railways and Alstom involves the procurement of 55 Traxx Hauler dual-voltage locomotives. The primary funding sources are a €300m loan from the EBRD and an investment grant of up to $190m from the Ukraine Relief, Recovery, Reconstruction and Reform Trust Fund, administered by the World Bank. The EBRD has already provided an advance payment of approximately €120m to facilitate the project’s commencement. This financial support aims to enable Ukrainian Railways to renew its fleet and sustain both freight and passenger services amidst the ongoing conflict.

Manufacturing and Technical Specifications

Alstom will design and manufacture the locomotives at its Belfort facility in France, with deliveries slated to commence in 2027. The contract encompasses training for drivers and maintenance personnel, along with the provision of spare parts. These dual-voltage locomotives are designed for 3kV DC and 25kV AC traction systems. They are capable of achieving speeds of up to 120km/h and generating between 7.2MW and 9.4MW of power. Each locomotive will be equipped with four bogies in a twin Bo-Bo configuration, with each axle driven by a separate traction motor. The units will also include Ukrainian-made security systems and radio equipment.

Operational Context and Support

Ukrainian Railways has maintained its operations throughout the Russian invasion since 2022, supporting exports, humanitarian aid, and passenger transport, including internally displaced persons. The EBRD has maintained its partnership with Ukrainian Railways, with recent financing initiatives including €200m in 2023 for upgrading rail links with the European Union (EU), €150m in emergency liquidity finance in 2022, and a €180m loan in 2024 to install small-scale power generators at selected sites across Ukraine.

Alstom’s Presence in Ukraine

Alstom has been operating in Ukraine since 2012, with an engineering center in Kharkiv focused on railway traffic control systems and a Kyiv office supporting rolling stock projects.

Conclusion

Ukrainian Railways and Alstom have finalized a contract for 55 Traxx Hauler locomotives, supported by funding from the EBRD and the World Bank. The locomotives, to be manufactured in France, will feature dual-voltage capabilities and incorporate Ukrainian-made systems. The project aims to bolster Ukrainian Railways’ operational capacity amid ongoing conflict, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2027.

Company Summary

Alstom: Alstom will design and manufacture the locomotives at its Belfort facility in France.

Ukrainian Railways: Ukrainian Railways has contracted Alstom for the delivery of 55 Traxx Hauler dual-voltage locomotives following a competitive tender process.

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD): The EBRD has already made an advance payment of approximately €120m to expedite project implementation.

World Bank Group: The World Bank Group was present at the contract signing ceremony.

Ukraine Relief, Recovery, Reconstruction and Reform Trust Fund: The Ukraine Relief, Recovery, Reconstruction and Reform Trust Fund, administered by the World Bank, provided an investment grant of up to $190 million.

Technology

3kV DC and 25kV AC traction systems: These are the dual-voltage traction systems that the locomotives are adapted to.

Bo-Bo: Each locomotive features four bogies configured in a twin Bo-Bo arrangement.