European Loc Pool (ELP) has reached a major milestone in its European expansion strategy, with its EuroDual hybrid locomotives now approved for operation across key Balkan markets. The latest homologations in Croatia and Slovenia follow Serbia’s approval in 2023, significantly expanding the geographical reach of ELP’s fleet and unlocking new opportunities for cross‑border rail freight transport in Southeast Europe.
These approvals cover strategically important countries located on major freight corridors linking Northern and Central Europe with the Balkans. As industrial output, logistics activity and international trade continue to grow across the region, these routes are becoming increasingly critical to European supply chains.
In particular, the corridor connecting the Adriatic ports of Koper and Rijeka, via Jesenice, Ljubljana, Maribor and Zagreb, to Central European industrial hubs is emerging as a backbone of regional freight transport. With the new approvals in place, ELP’s EuroDual locomotives can now be deployed flexibly along these routes, operating seamlessly on both electrified and non‑electrified lines.
Designed for Mixed Infrastructure and Cross-Border Efficiency
The EuroDual locomotive combines electric and diesel traction on a single platform, making it specifically suited to demanding freight operations across regions with mixed infrastructure – a common characteristic of the Balkan rail network.
Delivering 6.2 MW of electric power and 2.8 MW from its diesel engine, the EuroDual enables uninterrupted operations without the need for locomotive changes at electrification boundaries or during last‑mile operations. In Southeast Europe, where such transitions are frequent, this capability delivers tangible efficiency gains, reduced idle time and more reliable transport chains.
Its high tractive effort and proven performance on steep gradients and challenging routes make the EuroDual particularly well matched to the topography and operating conditions found across the region.
Supporting Sustainable Rail Freight Growth
Beyond operational flexibility, the EuroDual also supports the sustainable transformation of rail freight transport. Higher hauling capacities reduce the number of required train paths, while modern propulsion technology – including a Stage V‑compliant diesel engine and the option to operate on HVO fuels – significantly lowers emissions.
On electrified routes, regenerative braking further enhances energy efficiency, reinforcing rail’s role as the most sustainable mode for long‑distance freight.
“With the approval in the Balkan region, we are opening up another strategically important market for our customers,” says Willem Goosen, CEO of European Loc Pool.
Successful test runs and commercial operations in Slovenia, Croatia and Serbia have already demonstrated the EuroDual’s ability to deliver reliable performance under real‑world conditions, including on demanding corridors and steep gradients.
Strengthening ELP’s Pan-European Leasing Position
With these latest approvals, European Loc Pool further strengthens its position as a pan‑European leasing provider of modern locomotives, supporting customers along Europe’s most important freight corridors. Additional approvals across Southeast Europe are already in preparation, with the long‑term objective of extending EuroDual operations towards Turkey.
More About ELP’s Hybrid Locomotive Portfolio
European Loc Pool focuses on innovative six‑axle hybrid locomotives from Stadler, setting new benchmarks in European rail freight performance.
The EuroDual and Euro9000 platforms combine electric and diesel operation, enabling efficient long‑haul, last‑mile and shunting operations without compromising performance.
The Euro9000, ELP’s next‑generation multi‑system locomotive, is designed for pan‑European use and offers:
- Up to 500 kN tractive effort
- 1.9 MW diesel power
- Up to 9 MW electric power
The platform builds on the proven success of Stadler’s EuroDual and Euro4000 locomotive families.
Image credit: European Loc Pool
