The first locomotive from the initial batch of five units was officially handed over by the manufacturer at the railway museum in Budapest on May 31, coinciding with the annual Siemens locomotive customer conference.

The certification process began on May 18 using the first two multi-system locomotives, which are expected to enter service later this month.

The initial batch comprises three multi-system (25kV 50Hz ac/15kV 16.7Hz ac/3kV dc) Vectron MS locomotives and two dual-voltage (25kV 50 Hz/15kV 16.7Hz ac) units with last-mile diesel engines. All five locomotives will be equipped with ETCS Level 2.

The option comprises four more dual-voltage locomotives with last-mile engines, and takes the total value of the order to €35m.

All nine locomotives will be delivered by the end of the year.