CFL Cargo, a European railway operator, has successfully homologated the first multi-system locomotives for operation between Germany, Luxembourg, and Poland.
This achievement enhances international rail traffic and promotes the transition from road to rail transport, which is a more sustainable mode of transportation.
These new locomotives, in their final configuration, are groundbreaking in Europe. They are the first to possess multi-system capabilities, enabling seamless operation along both the North-South and West-East axes for international traffic.
Despite challenges identified by the European Union Agency for Railways regarding interoperability and cross-border connectivity, CFL Cargo’s initiative addresses these concerns by introducing locomotives that can navigate diverse national rail networks.
“We are proud to be the first to drive these multi-system locomotives in this configuration, an achievement showcasing CFL cargo’s dedication to innovation. That’s how we improve
tomorrow’s supply chain, ensuring high quality, reliability and the safety of our services. We are playing a part in making rail more efficient which correlates with our mission to promote the modal shift from road to rail,” stated Sébastien Hoffmann, CEO of CFL Cargo.
Initially approved for use in Luxembourg, Germany, and Poland, CFL Cargo plans to expand deployment to France, Austria, and Belgium shortly. These locomotives will be integrated into CFL Cargo’s strategy, optimizing resources by operating intermodal and conventional trains on its corridors.
Additionally, equipped with hybrid technology, they can handle non-electrified sections for the first and last mile, enhancing operational flexibility and performance.
Through the introduction of Traxx MS3 locomotives, CFL Cargo aims to enhance the robustness and efficiency of its trains. Standardizing the locomotive fleet will improve flexibility and service quality, further advancing the company’s commitment to sustainable transportation solutions.
“One of our biggest competitive advantages is the quality of service we provide by combining our conventional services with our intermodal services, which in turn makes us a strong cross-border operator. With our new Traxx MS3 locomotives, routes such as Poznań-Bettembourg will benefit greatly: where we had to switch out locomotives in the past, we will now deploy only one engine for the same distance which will increase reliability. This is an additional argument to promote the modal shift from road to rail among road transport companies and logistic service providers,” added Max Solvi, COO of International, CFL Cargo.
