CFL Cargo, a European railway company, has recently completed the homologation of the first multi-system locomotives capable of operating across Germany, Luxembourg, and Poland. This move is aimed at improving international rail traffic and supporting the shift of freight transport from road to rail. The locomotives, designed with the ability to navigate various national rail infrastructures, represent a step towards addressing the challenge of rail network interoperability within Europe.
The European Union Agency for Railways has highlighted the importance of a robust cross-border railway system for enhancing European transnational mobility. However, the agency has identified the lack of interoperability as a major obstacle to achieving better connectivity and facilitating a modal shift towards rail, which is considered a more sustainable form of freight transport.
CFL cargo's new locomotives are equipped with a feature that allows them to operate on both North-South and West-East axes, positioning them as the first of their kind in Europe for such capability. Developed in collaboration with Alstom, these locomotives aim to bridge the gap between different national rail systems, providing a more seamless freight transportation solution across the continent.
Currently, the locomotives have received approval for use in Luxembourg, Germany, and Poland, with plans to expand their operation to France, Austria, and Belgium. CFL cargo intends to leverage these locomotives to enhance the efficiency of its rail services by utilizing them for both intermodal and conventional train operations across its network.
Moreover, the incorporation of hybrid technology in these locomotives enables them to cover the first and last mile of journeys on non-electrified sections of the rail network. The introduction of the Alstom Traxx MS3 model is part of CFL cargo’s strategy to improve the resilience and performance of its rail services, while also increasing service flexibility and quality through the homogenization of its locomotive fleet.
