PKP IC wants twenty new electric locomotives and has issued an EU tender for the procurement. All the new machines should be delivered within 30 months after awarding the contract. The maximum speed of the new electrics should be 'not lower as' 160 km/h.

PKP IC also demands a technical availability of 95% from delivery until the Level P4 overhaul. The reliability of the fleet should also be 95% per quarterly. The 'loss of essential operating characteristics' should not occur more than 3 times per locomotive per 250.000 km. Next to the 20 locomotives in the base order, an option will be taken on ten more units.

The main criteria for the assessment of the bids (weight):

• Unit Price (35)
• Service maintenance costs (35)
• Delivery time (10)
• Maximum speed ​​(10)
• Technical availability (4)
• Maximum number of events causing 'loss of essential operating characteristics' per vehicle per 250.000 km (3)
• Reliability (3)

Bids can be submitted until 30.09.2017 10.30 local time.

Railcolor: The fleet strategy of PKP IC is subject of many changes over the past years. Last year it was announced PKP IC was planning to procure forty new machines. Although the arrival of new EMUs (Dart from Pesa and Pendolino from Alstom) has reduced the number electric locomotives needed for revenue services, PKP IC has to invest properly in new rolling stock (and modernization) as its fleet of electrics is old and outdated.

Check ted.europa.eu for the full tender specifications

Railpage.net reports: The Slovakian state railways (ZSSK) announced it will start a tender for new electric locomotives. This time hiring new units is also considered an option. The new machines must have ETCS installed and a maximum speed op 160 km/h. ZSSK has also evaluated the modernization/modification of existing locomotive types (350, 361 and 381) but it believes that it is better to invest in new machines, as they are more efficient and cheaper in maintenance.

ZSSK launched a tender for 6 (+10) new locomotives in 2014, but cancelled it in 2015 as all bids that the company received exceeded the available budget. In March 2016, ZSSK already announced it was planning on a new tender.

The German railways (DB) are renewing their fleet for long distance traveling. We are just months away from the start of serie-delivery of the new ICE4 trains, that should enter revenue earning service next December. Some sets are already in 'test service' now between Hamburg and Munich.

Originally, in 2011, DB wanted to order both multi-system and AC voltage ICE4 trains, so they could be deployed in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and in DC voltage countries such as the Netherlands. But these plans have changed over time. The multi-system version was taken out of the program. Now, the ICE4 will be operated in Germany (homologation done) and Switzerland (in process). DB has stated that homologation for Austria is also still desired, but will be realized on a later moment.

Now DB has released a new tender for a framework agreement for newly built "Zugverbänden (Lokomotiven und Wagenzüge)": train compositions (locomotives and loco-hauled rakes for passenger services). They need to be single-deck and operable in Germany, Austria and "other European countries". Manufacturers can apply independently or as consortium.

Also, the manufacturer(s) must have produced a mainline train type that has been fully approved for Austria and the Netherlands Germany, Austria or the Netherlands during the past five years. It/They should have production capacity for at least twenty trains per year, starting in 2021. One composition should have at least 485 seats.

Earlier this week we released the news that the Italian railways have ambitious plans for their rebranded freight and logistics department, Mercitalia. TX Logistik, being part of the Mercitalia group, will profit from the new investments and plans to acquire 45 new electric locomotives in the next five years.

Today TX Logistik released more details on their new fleet strategy, that will soon be based on owning a considerable part of its fleet, in stead of leasing/hiring locomotives form others. The new multisystem electrics will predominantly be operated on the north-south corridor Germany - Austria - Italy. On this route, TX Logistik is currently making around 60 'rounds' every week. Optionally, some new locomotives will be equipped for Switzerland and the Netherlands.

TX Logistik plans to finalize the order in 2017. The delivery of the new locomotives is planned for 2018-2020. All machines will have ETCS on board. The system will be prepared fur upgrade to baseline 3.

Early 2016, České dráhy (ČD) issued a tender for leasing multi-system electrics, without success. On December 17, a second attempt was made, again for 10 electrics, again without result. On 21.02.2017, ČD has released a third tender for the lease of ten electrics.

Compared to the second tender, the number of locomotives and their specification did not change, nor did the contract value:

- 10 electric locomotives
- for speeds up to 200 km/h
- for period of 120 months (= 5 year)
- including regular maintenance
- contract volume: 48 million euro
- deadline: 27.03.2017

Railcolor: ČD is in need of faster locomotives than it currently has, to be used on the relation Prague - Hamburg for example. ČD does own multi-system electrics, but none have a topspeed of 200 km/u. The ČD 380 series electrics technically meet the requirement, but the German authorities do not allow them to run at speeds of 200 km/h.

Ferrovie.it reports: Today, FS Italiane has presented its plans for Mercitalia, the new umbrella brand for the group freight and logistics operations. FS Italiane wants its unprofitable freight division (70 million euro loss in 2016) to make money again, with the help of private investors, and by ordering new rolling stock. In ten years, the turnover of the Mercitalia activities should be doubled, from 1 billion euro now to 2 billion euro in 2026.

Mercitalia is comprised of seven companies that will employ around 4.000 people, being Mercitalia Rail, TX Logistik, Cemat, Mercitalia Transport Services, Mercitalia Terminal, Terminal AlpTransit (TerAlp) and TLF.

Updated: TX Logistik and Mercitalia Rail have issued a non-binding call for expressions of interest (EOIs) for a contract to supply and maintain up to 125 electric locomotives. The expiration date is 17.03.2017.

- 30 (+30 option) 3kV DC locomotives, min.5.2 MW
- 40 (+25 option) 15kV/25kV AC + 1.5kV/3kV DC, min. 5.6MW

Deliveries of locomotives for both operators will begin in the third quarter of 2018, with a minimum of two locomotives per calendar month. The locomotives must be fully homologated at the date of first delivery.

Railcolor: It is clear that FS Italiane has to rejuvenate its fleet quickly and drastically, to keep up with competition. Domestic railfreight services are still the (almost)exclusive domain of electrics and diesel locomotives inherited from the time there was no open-access freight transport in Italy yet. Using the E403 for freight trains, and the hiring of MRCE / SBB Cargo International / Akiem locomotives can not be seen as structural solutions. TX Logistik, that is operational in many European countries now, does have a modern locomotive fleet, but almost all are hired from lease companies. If the EOI materializes in a final order, it will drastically change the fleet strategy of TX Logistik.

Montenegro wants to privatize its railfreight company 'Montecargo' and it has now made public that OT Logistics from Poland is the only bidder. Montenegro has published a public tender for privatisation through the sale of 51% of the shares of Montecargo, with the possibility to subscribe new shares through capital increase and the right to purchase the remaining shares owned by the State of Montenegro and state institutions in accordance with the tender terms. According to binding offer, the total price offered by OT Logistics for 51% of shares amounts to 2,500,000 EUR.

OT Logistics has also offered the implementation of an investment program, which includes the purchase of two multi-system locomotives Siemens Vectron, locomotives and related IT solutions, in total amount of 2,55 million euro.

Business Plan envisages a significant strengthening of the company's position in the sector of international transport and logistics by achieving the leading position in the Baltic - Adriatic corridor by increasing its market share up to 50% on the market of reloading agricultural cargo in sea ports as well as by doubling freight of Montecargo.

The bidder has made the commitment to comply with the General, Branch and the Collective Agreement for a period of at least 3 years.

The company OT Logistics was also the only bidder on the tender for sale of 30% shares of "Luka Bar" AD Bar. In cooperation with the elected Adviser and in accordance with the defined procedure, the Commission will assess the legal validity, bidder’s eligibility and the fulfillment of required conditions set forth in the public invitation and tender rules.

Source: Government of Montenegro

The Danish railways (DSB) have pre-selected three manufacturers in the ongoing tender for 26+18 new electric locomotives. Siemens, Bombardier and Skoda are still in the running. They now have until 06.02.2017 to reach in their preliminary bids. Final bids are expected for the end of the year. - Rail Business

Update: The 26 locomotives of the base order (DK) are for push/pull traffic with DSBs Bombardier Dosto2003 coaches (DSB has 25 cab cars). One option is for 6 additional DK-only locos, similar to the 26 above. However, interesting is the second option for twelve locos for potential international traffic to Germany (DE+DK).

The contract will include maintenance for 10 years (+option of 1 or 5 years). This will be performed by DSB at the DSB workshop in Copenhagen, under guidance and responsibility of the supplier. 6-7 locos must be in service in December 2019.

Rail Business report: FS Italiane (mother company of the Italian state railways) is planning to order modern, multi-system electrics. The machines are to be used for domestic (Mercitalia Rail) and international services (TX Logistik) as well. A number of 100 locos is mentioned.

TX Logistik already operates a very diverse fleet of multi-system locomotives (most of them leased from one of the bigger lease companies in Europe such as ELL, MRCE, Alpha Trains, Railpool). But Mercitalia Rail is still predominantly using old DC electrics. Exceptions are currently several 484 seriess machines hired from SBB Cargo and the relatively new E403 series, that however were not designed for freight services.

During our last visit to Copenhagen, we were negatively surprised by all the black smoke the old ME series diesel locomotives are allowed to produce in the city's underground S-Bahnstations. Time for a more healthy and environmentally friendly solution. And it will come:

The new machine should be of a standard design, which has already proven itself in everyday service. This autumn DSB wants to commence the selection procedure. The first new electrics then should arrive in 2020. The order is a first step in reducing DSB's dependency on the unreliable IC2/IC4 electric diesel trains and increasing the number of electric trains in the country. New electric articulated trains will be purchased too.

Interesting news from rynek-kolejowy.pl: The new management of PKP Intercity has decided that modernization of existing locomotives is not the only way to go. The long-haul passenger operator has a direct need for new electric locomotives too. Therefore plans are being made to purchase 40 new units, with a top speed of 160 kph.

A tender is being prepared right now. The first new locomotives should be delivered by the end of 2019.

The Győr-Sopron-Ebenfurt Vasút (GYSEV) tenders for new electric locomotives (TED: 2016/S 081-143548):

The Austrian-Hungarian operator wants two AC locomotives (15+25 kV) with additional shunting module. They need to be homologated for Hungary, Austria and Germany. After one year from delivery also Romania must be part of the country specific package. The shunting module may be built in later, but within one year from delivery.

Three more machines are desired for services in Hungary, Austria, Germany and (later) Romania, Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Optionally, four more machines can be ordered within 30 months after the contract is signed. Service and spare parts delivery will be included in the deal. (Rail Business / nov-ost.info)

Railcolor: We assume that the machines the GySEV wants will predominantly used for freight trainsport (Last Mile shunting and long international corridors) and will be operated by GySEV Cargo. In 2014, GySEV already tendered for 9 new electrics. But this procedure was unsuccessful and cancelled. Since then GySEV had to change its fleet as it had to return the 1116 series electrics it was hiring from the Austrian railways. Since then GySEV hired ES64U2 electrics from MRCE, later on complemented by Vectron locomotives from ELL.

The state railways of Macedonia (MŽ) recently got European funding (59 million euro from the EBRD) for the acquisition of new rolling stock. MŽ wants to spend 7 million euro on new electric locomotives. Manufacturers can place a bid until 02.06.2016. Delivery should take place before June 2017. - Rail Business / nov-ost.info

It is buzzing around for some months now: The Czech state railways (ČD) plan to hire new locomotives for its Prague - Berlin - Hamburg EuroCity services. Most likely ČD will go for Siemens Vectron locomotives, 10 units, with a top speed of 200 kph. ČD is having fast locomotives fast locomotives on its wish list for the ECs to Germany and other services as well. (via Rail Business)

True, CD does have fast multi system electrics in its fleet, the 380 series produced by Skoda. And yes, they are homologated for Germany and approved by the German EBA railway authority, but the German infrastructure manager DB Netz has put restrictions on their top speed. At this moment the machines are not allowed to go beyond 120 kph, making them practically useless for revenue services. DB Netz wants to know if the forces caused by the machines can possibly damage certain bridges in Germany. New measurements have been done are now being evaluated. To be continued.

inforail.pl reports: The railways of Slovakia (ZSSK) want new 160 kph multi system electrics. However, tendering and bidding has not started yet. ZSSK wants to finance its new locomotives from its own resources.

It is a second attempt to buy new electrics. In 2014 ZSSK already tendered for six electrics (+10 optional), but the process was stopped in 2015 after all bids received were above budget.

Sit tight, this is quite some data:

2017: 50 AC locomotives, 30 in first order - 4 axles
- minimum: 300 kN / 120 kph / 5.6MW / 350kW last mile diesel
- obligatory homologation: DE/AT/HU/RO/SK(AC)/CZ(AC)/HR/SB/BG/TR
- optional: BA/MK/GR

2017: 25 Multi System locos, not in first order - 4 axles
- minimum: 300 kN / 120 kph / 5.6MW
- obligatory homologation: DE/AT/HU/HR/SK/CZ/PL/IT/SI (incl. Italy)
- optional: BE/NL/RO/BG/TR/SB/BA/MK/GR

2017: 25 Multi System locos, not in first order - 4 axles
- minimum: 300 kN / 120 kph / 5.6MW
- obligatory homologation: DE/AT/HU/HR/SK/CZ/PL/SI (excl. Italy)
- optional: BE/NL/RO/BG/TR/SB/BA/MK/GR

Tender 2 'Supercargolokomotiven West' (Hybrid)

2020: 50 AC locomotives, 30 in first order - 2x4 or 6 axles
- minimum: 450 kN / 120 kph / 5.6MW + 1.8MW diesel
- obligatory homologation: DE/AT/HU/RO/SK(AC)/CZ(AC)/HR/SB/BG/TR
- optional: BE/NL/PL/IT (all DC countries!) /SI/BA/MK/GR

Tender 3 'Supercargolokomotiven Ost'

2017: 50 AC locomotives, 10 in first order - 6 axles
- minimum: 450 kN / 120 kph / 5MW / 350kW last mile diesel
- obligatory homologation: AT(Heg.-Vienna only)/HU/RO/BG
- optional: AT(rest)/SK/TR/SB/HR/BA/MK/GR

Deadline: 25.11.2015 15.00u (Austrian time?)

Source: www.auftrag.at

It is only a hint, but zpravy.e15.cz brings the news that the Czech railways (České dráhy) is considering to order new electric locomotives. ČD would like to close a frame work agreement with a manufacturre for at least two dozen new machines. Their top speed speed should be 200 km/u.

With this new rolling stock, ČD wants to strenghten its position on international train routes, for example to Poland.

Freight operator ČD Cargo from the Czech Republic, continues its plan to procure multi system electric locomotives. They want to order five machines (with an option for three more) capable of running under 15 + 25kV AC and 3 kV DC and with a maximum speed op 140 kph. ETCS level 2 will be standard on all locomotives. ČD Cargo may acquiring the locomotives directly, or through financial lease. Both options are still open.

For which countries the locomotives will homologated is determined later on. ČD Cargo wants its machines to be homologated for CZ/SK/PL/HU/DE/AT/RO by delivery (Package I). The operator has selected three country specific packages with which the locomotives can be upgraded:

All locomotives will allocated to the SOKV Ústí nad Labem depot.

Thanks to Josef Petrak and Zelpage.cz Tenders, bids and planned locomotive orders

Israel Railways selects Bombardier for contract to supply 62 electric locomotives http://t.co/muKmoJaTQq pic.twitter.com/3mF7wR03fC

— IRJ (@railjournal) August 6, 2015

The Westfälische Landes-Eisenbahn (WLE) has published a tender for a new multi system electric locomotive. Manufacturers can place their offers untl 31.08.2015.

At this moment, WLE operates two locomotives that are present on this website:

The railways of Slovakia (ZSSK) has decided to cancel their tender for 6 (+10 option) multi system locomotives. ZSSK wanted to invest 72 million euro (netto) in new machines in the next five years, but none of the offers received was within budget, with the lowest bid costing 78.4 million euro.

ZSSK wanted four axle 200 kph locomotives for 25kV 50 Hz, 15kV 16,7Hz AC and 3 kVDC. The power rating had to be 6MW or more.

Rynek Kolejowy reports: Siemens is the only manufacturer that has made a complete offer for the latest tender for new locomotives for PKP Cargo. Newag offered only four machines for services in Germany and Poland.

PKP Cargo wants to purchase up till 20 new multi system electric locomotives (15+5 option) for freight services. There will be three sub series, with three different country specific packages: PL/DE/AT/CZ/SK/HU (8), PL/DE (4) and PL/DE/NL (3). In August 2016 the first two new machines should arrive.

PKP Cargo has opened a tender to buy 20 multi-system locomotives to serve cross-border rail connections. Five of them are optional. The value of the contract will be approximately PLN 400 million. Poland’s biggest rail carrier will deploy the first new locomotives in H2 2016. They will pull trains to Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Hungary and the Netherlands. After the acquisition of the Czech carrier AWT for close to PLN 400 million, this is yet another step which consolidates the international position of the second largest freight carrier in the European Union.

Originally PKP Cargo considered the acquisition of ten multi-system locomotives with an option of buying another five; however, in view of the electrification of the border crossing with Germany at Węgliniec, it has decided to acquire 15 locomotives with an option of buying another five.

“The acquisition of multi-system locomotives is a milestone for PKP Cargo, especially in the context of the recently announced acquisition of the Czech carrier AWT. As we are expanding our international business, we are investing in new rolling stock. While we initially considered buying ten locomotives, we are now opening a tender for 15 multi-system locomotives with an option of buying another five. This will strengthen PKP Cargo’s capacity of operating international rail connections,” says Wojciech Derda, Board Member in charge of Operations at PKP Cargo.

The first two new locomotives approved for Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Germany and Austria will join PKP Cargo’s rolling stock in August 2016 and the last one, in March 2017. The tender covers full maintenance of the locomotives up to and including the first revision repair (level P4). A revision repair takes place after eight years of operation or a mileage of 1.2 mn km. A potential decision to acquire further locomotives may be made following an analysis of demand for such rolling stock.

PKP Cargo will require the vendor to have experience in the production of electric locomotives as well as type approval in at least one of the countries where the new locomotives will operate. This will ensure the highest quality of contract performance. The contract will have in place mechanisms which protect PKP Cargo against potential downtime of the locomotives, such as technical readiness and reliability indicators. Non-performance of the indicators will entail the payment of damages to PKP Cargo in order to cover the cost of substitution rolling stock.

The company previously owned only one multi-system locomotive (railcolor: EU45-846) and operated the others under operating lease. The solution allowed PKP Cargo to respond promptly and flexibly to changing conditions of transports and to obtain foreign safety certificates. Thanks to the certificates, PKP Cargo can operate transports single-handedly in nine European Union member states. At this time, PKP Cargo’s utilisation of multi-level locomotives has stabilised. Acquisition is the best option under these circumstances.

PKP Cargo’s existing multi-system locomotives
The first multi-system locomotives used by PKP Cargo from 2008 were EU43 (Traxx) machines produced by Bombardier. The carrier owned six such locomotives which operated transports between Poland and Germany. In 2012, the Bombardier locomotives were replaced with EU45 (EuroSprinter) machines produced by Siemens. Currently PKP Cargo uses ten such locomotives. They pull trains with containers, cars, steel, coal, coke, iron ore, chips, and car parts, among others. They run in the three main corridors: Poland-Czech Republic-Austria, Poland-Germany-Netherlands, and Germany-Poland-Czech Republic-Slovakia-Hungary.

PKP Cargo in 13 European countries
PKP Cargo will have access to 13 European markets after closing the acquisition of Advanced World Transport (AWT). Slovenia, Croatia, Bulgaria, and Romania will join the group of serviced countries: Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, the Netherlands, Hungary, and Lithuania. Apart from multi-system locomotives, PKP Cargo uses other types of locomotives for international transports. Diesel locomotives are used in Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Lithuania. PKP Cargo deploys single-system electric locomotives in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

A carrier may enter a foreign market subject to obtaining a safety certificate issued by the local regulator. The procedure is similar in all European Union member states but it is conducted on a case-by-case basis. One of the requirements for a certificate to be issued is to operate locomotives approved in the given country. PKP Cargo has had its ET22 and ET41 electric locomotives and ST44 and SM42 diesel locomotives approved in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, among others.

PKP Cargo trains are driven by Polish train drivers in three countries: the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Germany. To drive a train abroad, train drivers are required to pass a language examination and get local train driver certification. PKP Cargo uses the services of third-party drivers in the other countries.

Read the complete press statement here. MRCE ES64F4 PKP Cargo Vectron Tenders, bids and planned locomotive orders

ZSSK has a tenders for the supply of multi-voltage, four-axle 6MW electric locomotives with a maximum speed of 200 km/h. They need to replace the Škoda Class 350 locomotives on EC and IC services on the Praha – Bratislava – Budapest and Bratislava – Žilina – Košice routes. These must be suitable for use with 3kV DC, 15kV and 25kV AC, and equipped for operation in SK, CZ, AT, DE and HU. There would also be an option for up to 10 more locomotives. Tenders, bids and planned locomotive orders

PKP Cargo is about to announce a tender for ten new multi system electric locomotives. These locomotives need to be homologated for Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Belgium, the Netherlands and the Italian border stations. The Polish operator wants to start services with the new machines in 2016-2017. PKP Cargo wants to spend up to 200 mln zł on the new locomotives. PKP Cargo Vectron Tenders, bids and planned locomotive orders

Read the tender details here.

The railways of Israel (IR) are known as a loyal customer of big mainline diesel locomotives. It is an exceptional good customer of Alstom/Vossloh from Valencia (IR 700/800/1300/1400 series). But the IR now has adopted a 25 kV 50 Hz electrification program for its main network, so it is in need of new electrical traction power.

Therefore it is calling upon rolling stock manufacturers to submit a bid for a comprehensive number of electrics (62 - 78 units and options for more). IR wants a proven locomotive design, to be used for both freight and passenger services.

All proposals must be submitted no later than December 15th, 2014 by 13:00 (Israel time). Tenders, bids and planned locomotive orders

PKP Cargo has at least 331 million zł available for the purchase of multi system electrics for international freight operation. Let's see who is going to deliver new machines. PKP Cargo Vectron Tenders, bids and planned locomotive orders

4x 15+25kV AC electric, homologated for HU/DE/AT/RO

5x 15+25kV AC and most likely 3kV DC, homologated for HU/DE/AT/RO/SI/CZ/SK/PL

Click here for the details of the tender.

Update: There are two reasons why GySEV wants new locomotives. They want to return the 1116 series locomotives they're currently hiring from the Austrian Railways. Secondly, they want to enlarge the fleet of electrics as more lines they are operating will be electrified (for example Szombathely – Porpác – Csorna).

The locomotives should be at least 160 km/h fast. It was not indicated on the TED, but it is listed in the tender documents. You can read more here. GySEV 470 Tenders, bids and planned locomotive orders

A break through in diesel paradise. The Railways of Israel (IR) has launched the procurement process for its first electric trains. IR has estimated need of around 80 electric locomotives, that will be used together with the Bombardier Twindexx Vario and Siemens Viaggio coaches in push pull operation. IR prefers off the shelve locomotive designs, proven products.

Additionally, IR wants to order up to sixty electric double deck trainsets. IR plans to electrify up to 420 km of its network. Tenders, bids and planned locomotive orders

By the end of 2014, the first units could be ready. The new machines will be financed with a 64 million euro loan secured from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

The machines are important for the European freight corridor X. Tenders, bids and planned locomotive orders

Manufacturers can place a bid until 10.11.2011 12.00. The contract will start on 01.06.2012 until 31.12.2022. We will follow this proces closely. Tenders, bids and planned locomotive orders