Northrail acquires DE 18 locomotives for use in Sweden and Norway

Northrail announces the conclusion of a purchase agreement for ten ETCS-equipped DE 18 Stage V locomotives with Vossloh Rolling Stock. In addition to the locomotives on firm order, the purchase agreement includes an option for further ten identical locomotives. The first DE 18s are to be delivered in the second half of 2025.

Northrail arranged and structured the investment together with its parent company, RIVE Tangible Assets Income Fund, managed by RIVE Private Investment, an independent European investment firm specialized in transportation assets and energy transition. Northrail is responsible for the commercial and technical management of the locomotives.

The DE 18 locomotives, which are approved for both Sweden and Norway, will be fitted with the ETCS Level 2 (BL3 R2) and STM ATC-2 ATPs. With an engine output of 1,800 kW, they are suitable for heavy shunting and mainline service.

Michael Trentzsch, Chief Investment Officer and Chief Commercial Officer of Northrail, said: “This acquisition represents another milestone in our internationalization strategy and opens up new opportunities for us in the very attractive Scandinavian market. We are convinced that this is the ideal time to invest in this market and see a great need for modern, low-emission locomotives in Sweden and Norway.” Northrail will thus be the first supplier of DE 18 locomotives in the Swedish and Norwegian markets.