Alpha Trains, Europe’s leading rolling stock lessor, and Lineas, one of the continent’s major rail freight operators, have taken another significant step in their long‑standing collaboration by signing a new leasing agreement for two cutting-edge Stadler EURO9000 locomotives. The move reinforces both companies’ commitment to accelerating Europe’s transition toward low‑ and zero‑emission rail freight while boosting capacity and flexibility across key international corridors.
The locomotives form part of Alpha Trains’ strategic 12-unit EURO9000 order placed in 2023, underscoring the company’s long-term investment in sustainable, high‑performance traction. The first locomotive is scheduled for delivery in March 2026. Under a full-service lease, Alpha Trains will oversee fleet provision, while Stadler Rail Services delivers maintenance and technical support to ensure maximum reliability throughout the agreement.
This latest milestone expands the operational capabilities of both businesses and bolsters the efficiency and environmental performance of freight services across Europe—particularly on the crucial Rhine-Alpine Corridor.
A New Generation of Hybrid Freight Power
The Stadler EURO9000 is the most advanced six-axle hybrid multi-system locomotive on the European market. Combining high electric traction capabilities with onboard diesel power, it enables seamless cross-border operation on heavily used non-electrified and electrified sections.
Its capabilities make it especially well-suited to the Rhine-Alpine Corridor, linking the major North Sea ports to Southern Europe and the Mediterranean—one of Europe’s busiest and most demanding freight routes.
Lineas plans to deploy the locomotives on domestic German traffic, taking advantage of their hybrid capability to bridge gaps between electrified and non-electrified infrastructure. This strategic deployment supports Lineas’ operational expansion in Germany while further reducing the carbon footprint of European freight movements.
Leadership Comments
“We are delighted to support Lineas with the EURO9000, the most powerful locomotive currently operating on the European market,” says Guus de Boer, Commercial Director, Alpha Trains Locomotives. “Its exceptional performance and operational efficiency make it ideally suited for demanding freight services, and this agreement clearly demonstrates the market’s confidence in the EURO9000 as a key backbone of modern rail freight on the Rhine–Alpine corridor.”
“The EURO9000 combines power, flexibility and sustainability, making it a perfect fit for the international freight corridors we operate. This partnership with Alpha Trains allows us to further strengthen our services in Germany and across Europe while continuing to reduce the environmental impact of freight transport,” says Alban François, Chief Operating Officer, Lineas.
Government Support for Low‑Emission Rail
The project receives €15 million in funding from the German Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV) through the “Guideline for the Promotion of Alternative Drive Systems in Rail Transport / Passenger Buses.” Coordinated by NOW GmbH and implemented by Project Management Jülich (PtJ), the initiative supports the uptake of innovative propulsion technologies and aims to boost the market share of low‑emission rail solutions across Europe.
Image credit: iStock
