First Vectron broad-gauge locomotive authorised for Finland

The Vectron alternating-current (AC) locomotive for the Finnish railway company VR Group has been authorised for operation in Finland by Trafi, the Finnish Transport Safety Agency.

The first commercial operation will start from the City of Tampere and end at the Vuosaari harbor in Helsinki, with Siemens delivering 80 locomotives to the VR Group in total. This is the first order for a broad-gauge configuration and the biggest single order for the Vectron to-date.

Up to five locomotives have been undergoing tests according to the Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSI) since early 2016, with various additional functionalities and equipment packages being certified.

The Sr3 locomotive

The locomotives (series designation Sr3) have a maximum output of 6.4MW, a top speed of 200km/h and the bogies are designed for operating on 1.524mm broad gauge lines. Being used in Finland, the trains are equipped with the European Train Control System (ETCS) as well as the Finnish JKV-STM train control system and are specially equipped to operate under the harsh winter conditions in Finland, meaning they are built with cavity roofs and a reinforced front hatch.

The first eight Vectrons will immediately enter commercial service and all locomotives will be delivered by the end of 2026.