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24. June 2025, 07:48 o'Clock
Article: Crossing borders even better - with multi-system locomotives from DB Cargo
How modern technology makes cross-border rail freight transport faster and more efficient
While freight transport by road usually works smoothly across national borders, rail freight transport in Europe is much more complex: different power systems and national train protection systems have often required complex locomotive changeovers at borders - with corresponding time and cost expenditure.
DB Cargo is meeting this challenge with a forward-looking solution: multi-system locomotives, which can operate under different power and signaling systems, enable continuous transports across national borders - without the need for locomotive changeovers.
More than half of the electric locomotives in the DB Cargo fleet can already be used internationally. The modern Vectron multi-system locomotives from Siemens play a key role in this. With an output of 6,400 kW, these locomotives reliably handle even demanding routes on the Rhine-Alpine Core Network Corridor or the routes towards south-eastern Europe. The fleet is supplemented by other series that ensure direct connections to neighboring countries, among other things.
The latest additions to the locomotive fleet now also enable connections as far as Barcelona. And DB Cargo trains with special multi-system locomotives even run through the Eurotunnel from France to the UK. Only when there are no electrified border crossings are diesel locomotives still used.
The technology not only makes international rail freight transport faster and more economical, but also more competitive - a benefit for logistics, the environment and customers. DB Cargo is thus demonstrating how technological innovations are advancing European rail transport and setting new standards.
Multi-system locomotives from different series - designed for interoperable operation on Europe's rail networks.
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