The first three of 15 new locomotives that PKP CARGO will use to operate international connections have already passed tests in Munich. In September, PKP CARGO signed a contract to purchase such machines from Siemens for a total of PLN 315 million. The Vectrons were tested both in the production hall and on the overhead contact line. Acceptance commissioners from PKP CARGO participated in the tests.
The tests of the new Vectrons were carried out between December 15 and 17 in Munich. The locomotives underwent a series of stationary and dynamic trials and tests. All components and operation under all power supply systems were checked, as well as component assembly and functionality, along with the vehicle’s acceptance documentation, including quality certificates, relevant certifications, and factory protocols issued for individual components.
In addition to reviewing all elements, test runs of all locomotives were also conducted. Among other things, the operation of train control systems was checked, braking distance tests were performed, and the train radio functionality was verified. All trials were successful and without any issues, and the entire review concluded with the signing of factory acceptance protocols for EU46 locomotives numbered 501, 502, and 503. In January, the locomotives will travel to Poland, where final acceptance will be carried out.
– Investments in modern rolling stock are one of the key elements of the strategy for 2016-2020, which will allow us to expand even further into foreign markets. The purchase of Vectrons from Siemens is our largest investment in recent years and one of the larger tenders of this type in this part of Europe. Multisystem locomotives are modern rolling stock, thanks to which our international transport offer for customers from Poland and abroad will be even more competitive – says Wojciech Derda, Member of the Management Board of PKP CARGO for Operations.
The tested locomotives feature a new livery that refers to the unified visual identity of the entire PKP CARGO group. The base color is gray, with a white logo and individual red elements.
– The Vectron tests went very well. Thanks to this, we are sure that we will receive a product of the highest quality. In January, the first locomotives will arrive in Poland – says Krzysztof Chwaja, Director of the Rolling Stock and Technical Support Office at PKP CARGO.
The first three of 15 new machines will appear in the PKP CARGO rolling stock fleet by the end of January 2016, and three more a month later. The last vehicles (with homologation for seven EU countries) will be delivered by the end of the first half of 2017. Previously, PKP CARGO had only one of its own multisystem locomotives, and the rest were leased (operating lease). Such a solution allowed for quick and flexible responses to changing transport conditions and enabled the acquisition of safety certificates abroad. Currently, PKP CARGO has a stabilized level of multisystem locomotive utilization. Under such conditions, the purchase is the most favorable option, as it enables more effective price competition with foreign carriers.
PKP CARGO is the largest rail freight carrier in Poland, with a market share exceeding 56 percent in terms of transport performance. In addition to rail freight transport, the PKP CARGO Group provides forwarding services as well as terminal and siding operations. It also deals with the repair and maintenance of railway rolling stock.