Eurotunnel and Eurostar co-finance purchase of two rescue units

In keeping with its policy of continuous improvement in safety and service quality, Eurotunnel, in conjunction with Eurostar, has taken the decision to buy two further Krupp rescue locomotives. Each loco is powered by a one megawatt engine and together they cost €1.3 million. These new locomotives will be added to the existing fleet of five and mean that Eurotunnel has now significantly increased its safety equipment above and beyond the specifications of the Concession Agreement.

Eurotunnel and Eurostar have worked together to improve safety and comfort of passengers and we highlight that the best way to rescue a broken-down passenger train is to tow it out of the tunnel. The Krupp locomotives enable Eurotunnel to tow any high speed train on HS1 to either Ashford International, Calais Frethun or London St Pancras International stations 24/7 365 days a year.

Richard Morris, Eurostar’s Director of Business and Service Continuity, said: “We are very pleased to announce this joint investment with Eurotunnel in additional Krupp locomotives which demonstrates our commitment to the safety and comfort of our travellers.”

Bruno Bouthors, Safety and Sustainable Management Director of Eurotunnel, said: “The management of traffic on a high speed railway is a demanding business that requires technical knowledge and experience. Eurotunnel continues to invest to ensure a transport service in total safety particularly ahead of the Olympics Games in 2012. Safety is always Eurotunnel’s first priority.”

The purchase of this additional equipment demonstrates the importance that Groupe Eurotunnel and Eurostar attach to safety for customers, staff and goods transported through the Tunnel. It is a fundamental requirement and an everyday challenge. In 16 years of operations, 250 million passengers and 50 million vehicles have travelled through the Channel Tunnel. Since 1994, the Group has demonstrated the effectiveness of its people safety systems on a daily basis.