On 13.03.2018, the Danish state railways (DSB) released the final outcome of its locomotive tender, that was launched in 2016. As of 2021, DSB will be operating new Siemens Vectron locomotives. The initial order comprises of 26 machines with a top speed of 200 km/h. There is an option for 18 extra machines. Siemens will also be responsible for the maintenance of the locomotives for the first 10 years, although the actual work will be done by DSB. This contract can be extended with 5 years.

DSB took its time in finding the right supplier of its new locomotives; 14 months to be precise; In January 2017 three suppliers were pre-selected; Bombardier, Siemens and Skoda. For DSB it was of outmost importance that the new machines should be of a ‘standard design’ that had already proven itself in everyday service.

Medio 2017 DSB announced that it changed the original time path for delivery. ‘Intense dialogues’ with the selected manufacturers had proven that DSB’s planning was ‘tight and challenging’. It was feared that some manufacturers would pull out of the competition.

Originally, DSB wanted to have its new locomotives in 2020, now this will be 2021. They will be equipped with GSM-R, ETCS, STM-DK and LZB/PZB.