25. tammik. 2024
Fenniarail Oy ordered two Vectron electric locomotives from the German Siemens Mobility for the transportations of existing and new customers. Delivery of the locomotives will take place at the beginning of year 2026. The contract also includes locomotive maintenance service.
Fenniarail took the first Vectron into commercial traffic in late autumn 2023, and the experiences have been encouraging:
“The locomotive’s performance, energy efficiency and zero emissions of electric use have been found to be significant for the expansion of our operations. With the new electric locomotives, we will be able to diversify the Finnish railway market with a competitive and environmentally friendly alternative,” states Lauri Helke, Managing Director of Fenniarail.
Fenniarail’s locomotive capacity is fully utilized and the locomotive investment made now ensures the company’s continued growth. The additional capacity achieved with the introduction of new electric locomotives enables a new route and shift offering for both existing and new customers.
“Our locomotive procurement process has been accompanied by a strong indication from Finnish industry of the necessity to have competition in railway services. In terms of Finland’s competitiveness, bringing alternatives to rail transport has been perceived as critical both in operational reliability, agility and costs. All these are exactly the added value we bring,” states Petri Lempiäinen, Chairman of the Board of Fenniarail.
Vectron is a modern four-axle electric locomotive produced by the German Siemens. Over 1300 Vectron locomotives have been delivered to different railway companies. The acquired locomotives have been designed for Finnish conditions and they are particularly suitable as freight trains – one Vectron can pull over 2 000-ton train with higher average speed than diesel locomotives. For operating on non-electrified tracks, the Vectron is equipped with a “last mile” system, which includes a diesel unit that allows for the transfer of wagons, for example, to loading tracks. The locomotive has radio remote-control system which enables shunting performed by the locomotive driver. Shunting is possible on sidings without overhead lines with two diesel power modules. This combination is a very efficient logistic solution since no separate shunting locomotive is needed.
Environmental factors have been considered throughout the entire lifecycle of the locomotive. The Vectron’s energy efficiency is top-notch, and the locomotive is capable of regenerating energy back into the power grid during braking. Additionally, the locomotive’s control system optimizes energy usage and provides guidance to the driver on choosing the best driving style. The structure of the locomotive is modular and 98% of its weight consists of recyclable materials.
Vectron locomotive
Manufacturer Siemens Mobility
Power 6400 kW
Diesel-module power 2 x 180 kW
Max. starting tractive effort 350 kN
Max. speed 200 km/h
No. of axles 4
Weight 89,7 t
Length 19 m
Systems ETCS Radio remote control
For inquiries:
Lauri Helke
Managing director
Fenniarail Oy
lauri.helke@fenniarail.fi
+35844 555 11 55
Fenniarail Oy is a private freight transport railroad operator. The company operates on the Finnish railway network with seven line locomotives, 22 leased wagons and wagons managed by customers. The company’s business has mainly consisted of transporting raw wood for the forest industry and the product transportation of sawn timber customers from production plants to ports, but with the acquisition of additional locomotives, the operation will also expand to transport in other industries.