RheinCargo is planning a major investment in the modernization of its rail freight vehicles this year. It has entered into a contract with Siemens for the purchase of seven Vectron Dual Mode locomotives. In addition, it has now taken delivery of two more locomotives from the same manufacturer in the Smartron series.
With the renewal of its fleet, RheinCargo also places emphasis on sustainability and environmental protection. “Rail freight transport is inherently efficient and significantly more environmentally friendly than road transport. One train can replace up to 52 truck transports, and trucks emit 110 times more CO2 emissions per tonne-kilometer than rail freight. With the new efficient traction vehicles, this favorable environmental balance can be improved even further,” commented Daniel Jacobs, who is responsible for vehicle management on the railways at RheinCargo.
The new RC dual-mode vehicles, which will replace diesel locomotives, can also run under overhead catenary on non-electrified lines thanks to the hybrid concept. Because only short sections of the route or destination areas are often without power, the main sections can be driven electrically. This will significantly reduce emissions.
Besides these hybrid models, RheinCargo has acquired two more Smartron electric locomotives. Both new vehicles will be used throughout Germany, with a focus on southern Germany. "By investing in new vehicles, we are consistently pursuing our corporate strategy of greater sustainability and environmental protection. This also benefits our customers, as they can improve their own climate balance," added Wolfgang Birlin, RheinCargo's Managing Director responsible for the rail freight division.
