In addition the DE 12 and DE 18 have received full TSI Loc&Pas certification, enabling operation across Europe for seven years up to September 2021 without the need for further approvals. As a result Vossloh says it can start series production of the locomotives, the last of its family of modular locomotives to receive this certification.

"It's taken over four years to obtain approval for these diesel-electric locomotives," says Mr Thomas Schwichtenberg, Vossloh Locomotives general manager. "Thanks to cross-acceptance and smooth cooperation with Germany's railway authority, it was possible to shorten the final processing period."