Adding two ultra-modern hybrid locomotives, VPS GmbH is expanding its fleet

Verkehrsbetriebe Peine-Salzgitter GmbH (VPS), a subsidiary of Salzgitter AG and its central logistics service provider, has expanded its fleet, adding two EuroDual hybrid locomotives. In this way, VPS is increasing the sustainability and efficiency of its rail freight transport and driving the transformation of the Salzgitter Group's logistics chains forward. The locomotives were handed over to VPS by the full-service leasing provider European Loc Pool on December 4, 2024. In future, they will be transporting raw materials for the integrated steelworks of Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH.
 
The vehicles feature a diesel-electric drive as well as an electric drive, meaning that they can run on electrified and non-electrified routes. This enables the use of existing overhead lines, while significantly reducing diesel consumption. Given that the locomotives can be refueled with HVO diesel, virtually CO₂-neutral diesel operation is possible. VPS harnesses green electricity for its electrical operations, which trims the company's CO₂ footprint further down.
 
As Dr. Johannes Dreier, Managing Director of VPS, explained: "The handover of our new EuroDual hybrid locomotives marks another milestone in our activities to decarbonize rail freight transport and the Salzgitter Group’s logistics chain. In this way we are supporting the transformation of our Group's internal customers and improving the efficiency of our raw material transports thanks to the increased loading capacity." The hybrid locomotives will mainly be deployed for heavy-duty transport from the port of Hansaport in Hamburg and from the eastern Harz region to Salzgitter.
 
Willem Goosen, Managing Director of ELP, adds: "We are proud to support Verkehrsbetriebe Peine-Salzgitter in its decarbonization strategy. Our EuroDual locomotives impress with their efficiency and flexibility and make an important contribution to the vision of green steel and to sustainable and efficient rail transport. We look forward to a trusting and successful partnership."