Warsaw, Poland – Rail Capital Partners (RCP), a leading Polish rolling stock leasing company, has launched a tender for the supply of 30 new multi-system electric locomotives designed for intermodal transport. The procurement comes as the company navigates a setback in securing government funding for the project, raising questions about the impact on the acquisition.
The tender, announced recently, seeks modern, zero-emission locomotives capable of operating international services on key European routes. Bidders have until , to submit their proposals.
Strategic Investment for Intermodal Growth
The order represents a strategically important investment for both RCP and the Polish intermodal market. The company intends to procure 30 multi-system electric locomotives, accompanied by maintenance services as required by the procuring entity. This suggests a long-term commitment to fleet modernization and service provision.
The locomotives are intended for operation not only in Poland but also in Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and the Netherlands. This broad geographical scope underscores RCP’s ambition to establish a strong offering for operators engaged in cross-border, particularly intermodal, transport.
Technical Specifications: Power and Performance
The tender specifications call for locomotives with high traction parameters. Key requirements include:
- Multi-system power supply: 3 kV DC, 15 kV 16 2/3 Hz AC, 25 kV 50 Hz AC
- Minimum continuous power: 5000 kW
- Axle arrangement: Bo’Bo’
- Minimum starting tractive effort: 300 kN
- Maximum operational speed: at least 160 km/h
- Capability to haul a gross train weight of 3200 tons on a 6‰ gradient
- Maximum axle load: 22.5 t, with confirmation of approval for lines of class C2 or C3
In practice, these specifications indicate that RCP is targeting locomotives comparable to the most modern European platforms, capable of handling heavy container trains on long-distance international routes. The requirements for axle load approval on C2 and C3 lines suggest a focus on compatibility with a wide range of European rail infrastructure.
Delivery Schedule to 2029
According to tender documentation, the final delivery date for the last locomotive was set for . The project was therefore planned as a multi-year rolling stock investment, phased over several delivery stages.
Funding Setback: The FEnIKS Program
RCP had applied for funding for the project, titled “Investment in traction locomotives by Rail Capital Partners for the development of cross-border…”, but was not awarded the requested support of 354,681,600 złoty. This lack of funding presents a challenge to the project’s financial viability and could potentially impact the acquisition timeline or the final specifications of the locomotives.
The FEnIKS program, designed to support railway infrastructure development in Poland, appears to have been a key component of RCP’s financing strategy. The rejection of the funding application raises questions about the company’s alternative funding sources and its ability to proceed with the project as originally planned.
While the tender process continues, the absence of FEnIKS funding introduces an element of uncertainty. RCP will need to demonstrate its financial strength and ability to secure alternative financing to ensure the successful completion of this significant investment in its fleet and the broader Polish intermodal rail network. The outcome of the tender and the company’s financing strategy will be closely watched by industry observers.
The Global Infrastructure Group, which includes Global Rail Services, recently completed an accessibility upgrade at Maynooth Railway Station in Ireland on , demonstrating a continued commitment to infrastructure improvements across its portfolio. However, this project is geographically distinct and does not directly impact the RCP locomotive tender.
Onera, operating under the authority of the French Ministry of Armed Forces, had a budget of €294 million in 2023, with over half coming from study and research. This information is unrelated to the RCP tender but highlights the scale of investment in infrastructure and technology across Europe.
