Siemens Mobility and Paribus sign agreement for Vectron Dual Mode locomotives

Credit: Siemens Mobility

Siemens Mobility and Paribus Rail Investment Management GmbH (Paribus), part of the Paribus Group, have signed a framework purchase agreement and a full-service contract for up to 30 Vectron Dual Mode locomotives. The investment was arranged and structured by Paribus for RIVE Private Investment (RIVE), a private equity investment company headquartered in Paris.

Along with the signing of the agreement, a call was placed for seven locomotives for which Northrail GmbH, also belonging to the Paribus Group, has already concluded rental contracts with German railway companies. The seven locomotives, planned for freight transport in Germany, are to be delivered from September 2021. Siemens Mobility will provide full service for the locomotives for a period of up to 20 years.

“The Vectron Dual Mode is an innovative investment in the future of rail freight transport. As a sustainable alternative to conventional diesel locomotives, the Vectron Dual Mode can flexibly switch from diesel to electric operation on electrified stretches,” said Gerhard Greiter, CEO of Region Northeast Europe at Siemens Mobility. “With the long-term maintenance contract, we will further expand and enhance our service competence in Germany. Paribus will profit from having lifecycle costs that are optimised and can be planned, and from maximised availability of the locomotives.”

“With our acquisition of the new Siemens Vectron Dual Mode locomotives, we have made an important decision toward ensuring a sustainable future for rail freight transport when it comes to energy efficiency and pollutant reduction,” explained Dr. Volker Simmering, Managing Partner of Paribus Rail Investment Management GmbH and Northrail GmbH. “By expanding its fleet of locomotives to include the Vectron Dual Mode, Northrail GmbH will ensure that its customers have the highest possible operational flexibility on all route sections and, at the same time, save resources.”

The Vectron Dual Mode is based on the proven Vectron platform and components. The locomotive has a track gauge of 1,435mm and weighs 90 tonnes. It is designed to operate on a 15 kV AC voltage system and is equipped with a PZB train protection system. In both of its operating modes, traction power at the wheel rim is 2,000 kW. The fuel tank holds 2,600 liters of diesel. The locomotive’s maximum speed is 160km/h.

Paribus previously signed a framework agreement with Siemens Mobility in 2019 for the delivery of 25 Smartron locomotives. To date, 16 locomotives from this agreement have been called up.