German Rail (DB) says the locomotives will be used for cross-border operation in several European countries.

The framework agreement follows a similar agreement signed for 100 locomotives in August 2017, which included an initial call for 60 locomotives. A spokesperson for Siemens Mobility said the option for 40 additional locomotives has not yet been exercised.

“DB Cargo ordered 60 locomotives from us in the summer of 2017,” Siemens Mobility CEO, Ms Sabrina Soussan. “The signing of a new framework agreement confirms the successful completion of that project and the reliability of our locomotives.”

“The Vectron MS is a particularly energy-efficient locomotive that enables cross-border transport without changing locomotives,” says DB Cargo head of European assets and technology, Mr Steffen Bobsien. “With it, DB Cargo can provide even better service for its customers on European routes.”

The locomotives ordered by DB Cargo have a maximum output of 6.4MW and a top speed of 160km/h, and are equipped with the required national train control systems as well as ETCS.

The Vectron locomotives are authorised for operation in Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey.

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