Orlen Kolej Orders 40 Polish Locomotives, Boosting Logistics Capabilities

Orlen Kolej, Poland’s second-largest rail freight operator, has secured contracts exceeding PLN 800 million (EUR 189 million) for the acquisition of 40 new Polish-built locomotives, financed via an operating lease from PKO Leasing. The substantial investment, awarded to domestic manufacturers Pesa and Newag, signifies a major step in Orlen Group’s rail infrastructure modernization and aims to enhance the company’s logistics capabilities for transporting 7.2 million tonnes of products annually.

The landmark deal will see Pesa deliver 20 of its 304E Gama locomotives by 2027, while Newag will supply 20 six-axle Dragon 2 electric locomotives, including a comprehensive service package, in 2028. Both locomotive models are designed for enhanced efficiency, featuring engines rated at 5.6 MW and 5 MW respectively, and are projected to reduce energy consumption by approximately 30% per tonne of freight compared to older models. This not only translates to significant operational cost savings for Orlen Kolej but also delivers substantial environmental benefits.

Operational Enhancements

A key feature of the new rolling stock is the integration of ‘last mile’ modules, empowering Orlen Kolej to operate on non-electrified railway sections. This capability dramatically increases the company’s operational flexibility and self-sufficiency, reducing reliance on external resources. Furthermore, the locomotives are equipped with state-of-the-art safety systems, advanced onboard diagnostics, and improved crew comfort and safety features, aligning with the highest industry standards.

Strategic Modernisation and Local Content

This significant acquisition directly addresses the burgeoning logistics demands of the Orlen Group and is a cornerstone of its broader rail infrastructure modernization program. The strategic intent is to progressively phase out older diesel units in favour of modern, compliant electric locomotives featuring technologies such as GSM-R and ETCS. Primarily destined for the domestic Polish market, these new locomotives will enable Orlen Kolej to manage its transport operations entirely with its own fleet, thereby minimizing costs associated with locomotive leasing and bolstering Poland’s economic growth. Ireneusz Fąfara, President of the PKN Orlen Management Board, emphasized that sourcing from domestic manufacturers like Pesa and Newag is “integral to every part of our business,” highlighting the commitment to supporting Polish industry beyond sectors like offshore wind.

Economic and Sectoral Impact

The agreement was lauded by Wojciech Bałczun, the Minister of State Assets, who attended the signing ceremony. He noted the project’s “local content perspective,” uniting private and state-owned entities, and described the modern locomotives as symbols of the sector’s development and a driver for more efficient transportation in Poland. Orlen Kolej, a specialist in fuel and petrochemical product transport, operates independently in Poland and Germany and extends its reach across Europe through strategic partnerships, providing comprehensive logistics solutions for both the Orlen Group and external clients.