THE supervisory board of Czech rail freight operator ČD Cargo has approved the acquisition of three additional Vectron locomotives from Siemens at a cost of around Koruna 300m ($US 12.2m).
TESTING of the first Siemens Vectron for Czech rail freight operator ČD Cargo began on the Czech mainline network on May 31, when the locomotive ran under its own power between Pořičany and Velím on the Prague - Kolín line.
SIEMENS has received contracts to supply a total of 11 multi-system Vectron electric locomotives for two European freight operators.
THE continuing decline in coal transport, in part caused by cheaper supplies of oil and gas, plus the global slowdown in the steel industry continues to impact railfreight volumes in central Europe.
CZECH railfreight operator CD Cargo announced on August 14 it is launching a tender worth an estimated Koruna 550m ($US 22.7m) for a contract to supply five ETCS Level 2-equipped multi-system electric locomotives, with an option for three additional units.
THE Czech and Slovak governments are considering plans to merge state-owned railfreight operators CD Cargo and ZSSK Cargo in an effort to improve their financial position and protect them from potential takeover bids from foreign railways.