The 15kV 16.7Hz 5.6MW locomotives will be used on automotive trains within Germany.

The lease of the Smartrons will expand RTB Cargo’s electric locomotive fleet to 36 units.

The locomotives are from a framework order for up to 25 Smartrons which was placed with Siemens at the end of last year. Siemens will also maintain the locomotives under its Railcover service concept.

In March Northrail announced it had signed an agreement with rail freight operator TX Logistik for the lease of three Smartrons.