German rolling stock manufacturer Vossloh Rolling Stock has achieved a significant milestone by delivering its first DE 18 locomotive to Sweden. The modern locomotive will be put into service by rail carrier Northrail on various routes in Sweden and Norway. Part of the Chinese group CRRC, Vossloh Rolling Stock is increasingly expanding exports of its environmentally friendly locomotives that meet the European Union’s stringent Stage V emissions standard.
This significant purchase agreement with Northrail was signed in November 2024. The agreement, which initially covers 10 DE 18 diesel locomotives, also includes an option for Northrail to purchase 10 more locomotives in the future. This agreement is considered a critical step for Vossloh Rolling Stock to strengthen its presence in the Scandinavian market.
Eco-friendly Expansion of Scandinavian Railways with Vossloh DE 18
The DE 18 locomotive from Vossloh stands out with its modern and functional bonnet-type design. This versatile locomotive offers an ideal solution for both shunting operations and mainline transport. One of the most important features of the DE 18 is that it is certified for use with Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel, which can reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 90%.
The use of a sustainable fuel such as HVO makes the DE 18 locomotive an environmentally friendly, long-term solution for railway operators committed to minimizing their carbon footprint. This feature is fully in line with Northrail’s environmental sustainability goals.
Security and Readiness at the Forefront: ETCS and ATC‑2 Integration
The first DE 18 locomotive delivered to Sweden is equipped with advanced safety systems that ensure full compliance with both European railway signalling standards (ETCS) and the Swedish local signalling system ATC‑2. This integration will enable the locomotive to operate safely and smoothly on different railway networks.
With this first unit delivered, dynamic tests are planned to be carried out in 2025. Following the successful completion of these tests, full operational entry of DE 18 locomotives into service on the Swedish and Norwegian routes is expected to begin in early 2026.
Vossloh Strengthens Position in Northern Europe, Modernizes Northrail Fleet
This first delivery enables Vossloh Rolling Stock to further strengthen its position in the Nordic market by offering efficient, reliable and environmentally friendly rail solutions. The company's growth strategy in this market is in line with the global demand for sustainable transport solutions.
With this modern locomotive investment, Northrail continues to modernize its fleet with the latest technologies that support environmental responsibility and high performance. The operational efficiency and low emissions of the DE 18 locomotives will make a significant contribution to Northrail’s service quality and achievement of its environmental targets. This collaboration represents an important step towards sustainability and modernization in Scandinavian rail transport.
