HRS Expands Fleet with Stadler Euro9000 Locomotives for Germany & Europe

Hamburger Rail Service (HRS) is set to significantly boost its hauling capacity and operational efficiency across Germany and Europe with the acquisition of the powerful Stadler-built Euro9000 hybrid locomotive. The strategic fleet expansion, announced by the German private rail freight operator, follows extensive evaluation and is designed to enhance service delivery for heavy ore and short-notice work trains.

Main Body:

Hamburger Rail Service (HRS), a prominent German private rail freight operator, has announced a significant strategic move to enhance its operational capabilities with the integration of the high-performance Euro9000 locomotive into its fleet. This decision, the culmination of several years of detailed evaluation, underscores HRS’s commitment to increasing hauling capacity and optimising operational efficiency for its services throughout Germany and the broader European rail network. Managing Director Adem Gülaz highlighted the Euro9000’s “exceptional performance and high versatility,” noting its ability to manage diverse operations, from heavy ore trains to urgent work trains, using a single, powerful unit. “With the Euro9000, we are ready for any challenge,” Gülaz stated, signalling the company’s readiness for evolving market demands.

Strategic Impact of the Euro9000

The introduction of the Euro9000 locomotives represents a pivotal upgrade for HRS, directly addressing operational bottlenecks and enhancing service flexibility. Developed by Stadler and leased through European Loc Pool (ELP), the Euro9000 is recognised as one of Europe’s most potent hybrid locomotives. Its advanced design delivers up to 9 MW in electric mode and 1.9 MW in diesel mode, coupled with a formidable tractive effort of up to 500 kN. This robust performance profile enables HRS to undertake some of the continent’s most demanding freight operations, critically reducing the necessity for double traction on complex routes. This optimisation not only streamlines operations but also yields substantial reductions in fuel and energy consumption, maintenance expenditures, and overall network complexity, thereby contributing to more sustainable and cost-effective logistics solutions.

Operational Details and Partnership

The procurement process was characterised by a strong collaborative spirit, with Gülaz specifically commending the “very good and collaborative” communication and partnership established with European Loc Pool (ELP). This relationship has been instrumental in facilitating the seamless integration of the new rolling stock. The first of two Euro9000 locomotives is scheduled for handover shortly, with its official entry into service anticipated in December 2025. European Loc Pool, a specialist in leasing innovative six-axle hybrid locomotives, provides both the EuroDual and Euro9000 platforms. These locomotives are engineered for arduous freight duties, adeptly combining electric and diesel traction to ensure uninterrupted transit across electrified and non-electrified routes, and supporting efficient last-mile operations without the need for additional shunting units.

Industry Context

Since its inception in 2018, ELP has been a key enabler of modernisation within the European rail freight sector, supporting over 33 operators across five countries with comprehensive full-service leasing packages. These packages include ongoing maintenance and technology upgrades aimed at enhancing sustainability and efficiency. As one of Germany’s largest private rail freight companies, HRS, headquartered in Hamburg, operates 24/7, providing bespoke logistics solutions with a keen focus on safety, readiness, and enduring client partnerships. The strategic acquisition of the Euro9000 locomotives is designed to bolster HRS’s capacity to deliver sustainable, economically viable transport services, positioning them strongly to meet the escalating demands of the European market and contribute to the broader modal shift towards rail freight.

Technical Specifications

• Electric Mode Power: Up to 9 MW
• Diesel Mode Power: 1.9 MW
• Tractive Effort: Up to 500 kN