BLS Cargo orders 15 multisystem locomotives

The Swiss rail cargo specialist BLS Cargo has ordered 15 Vectron MS multisystem locomotives from Siemens that will be used in cross-border service in Germany (D), Austria (A), Switzerland (CH), Italy (I) and the Netherlands (NL).

All traction and train control systems required for the north-south freight corridor are on board. The locomotive can reach speeds up to 200 km/h and has an output of 6,400 kW. Delivery will take place in three phases, and the first locomotives are scheduled to enter service in the second half of 2016.

“BLS Cargo conducted comprehensive trial runs and tests of the Vectron locomotive late in 2014 in regard to its energy consumption, traction performance, multisystem controls, operability and serviceability. The Vectron's overall concept convinced us,” said Dirk Stahl, CEO of BLS Cargo AG.

Jochen Eickholt, CEO of Siemens' rail business, added: “The outstanding performance of our Vectron locomotive was the decisive factor for this order. The locomotive's design is based on a forward-looking, flexible concept that not only includes comprehensive country packages for pan-European operation, but also ensures the highest efficiency for our customer across its entire lifecycle.”

The Vectron is scalable with country and equipment packages and can thus be precisely configured to meet the respective transport tasks. Quickly available preferred variants ensure speedy delivery times. Thanks to the platform concept, the locomotives can also be later upgraded or converted with minimal effort for operation in the various corridors.

For further information on Mobility Division, please see: www.siemens.com/mobility

Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a global technology powerhouse that has stood for engineering excellence, innovation, quality, reliability and internationality for more than 165 years. The company is active in more than 200 countries, focusing on the areas of electrification, automation and digitalization. One of the world's largest producers of energy-efficient, resource-saving technologies, Siemens is No. 1 in offshore wind turbine construction, a leading supplier of combined cycle turbines for power generation, a major provider of power transmission solutions and a pioneer in infrastructure solutions as well as automation, drive and software solutions for industry. The company is also a leading provider of medical imaging equipment – such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging systems – and a leader in laboratory diagnostics as well as clinical IT. In fiscal 2014, which ended on September 30, 2014, Siemens generated revenue from continuing operations of €71.9 billion and net income of €5.5 billion. At the end of September 2014, the company had around 343,000 employees worldwide. Further information is available on the Internet at www.siemens.com

BLS Cargo AG is the corridor haulage provider on the central north-south axis through Switzerland. BLS operates from Switzerland and, together with our capable partners, are able to offer you complete service packages between the North Sea and the Mediterranean. Block trains in unaccompanied combined transport, conventional wagonload services, as well as the rolling highway constitute our key service. Rail haulage services within Switzerland as well as in import and export transport make up a further mainstay of our operations. Working together with our international partners, we deploy our modern multi-system locomotives across national borders. Further information is available on the Internet at www.blscargo.ch 

Reference Number: PR2015030174MOEN

Contact

Ms. Ellen Schramke
Mobility Division
Siemens AG

Nonnendammallee 101

13629 Berlin

Tel: +49 (30) 38622370

ellen.schramke​@siemens.com