Freightliner Poland receives first 5 DRAGON locomotives

Newag S.A. has officially handed over the first of five DRAGON locomotives to Freightliner PL.

The 6-axle electric locomotives are equipped with an additional diesel engine for operations on non-electrified end lines and at sidings. The DRAGON locomotives were fully designed and manufactured in Poland with financing provided by ING Lease (Poland).

The first DRAGON locomotive was named Ernest Malinowski, after a Polish railway engineer and constructor of the Central Trans-Andean Railway in Peru.

Konstantin Skorik, President of the Board, Freightliner PL: “Investing in modern rolling stock is one way to uplift the image of railway services. From the very beginning of its operations, Freightliner has implemented a strategy of maximum efficiency based on new and reliable locomotives and wagons. Our locomotives are, on average, 8 yrs old. We believe that if you are not moving forward, you are going backwards. As a result, we have decided to extend our fleet with DRAGONS — new, six-axle electric locomotives, which have an additional diesel engine. The DRAGON locomotives are the product of Polish engineering, which is characterised by the highest parameters of power, efficiency, ergonomics and reliability. We are very proud that we have ordered locomotives designed and manufactured in Poland, creating specialist know-how and employment opportunities.”

Ewa Luniewska, President of the Board, ING Lease (Poland): “I am pleased that ING Lease has contributed to the development of the Polish railway market. ING has offered innovative products aimed at financing rolling stock for many years. We have extensive experience in this area with locomotives, electric multiple units and wagons in our portfolio. We finance innovative, unique projects, supporting transport development in Poland. We focus on building long-term relationships and provide financing in line with our clients’ expectations. This transaction, contracted with our long-standing partners, Newag and Freightliner, fits our strategy perfectly. I am convinced that we can count on years of further fruitful collaboration.”

Józef Michalik, Deputy President of the Board, Newag S.A.: “I am very proud and honoured to officially hand over the first of three DRAGON E6ACTd six-axle locomotives to the management of Freightliner PL. We are convinced that their reliability and technical readiness (at 99.3% and 99.5% respectively) will significantly reduce spending on rolling stock reserve. The six-axle locomotive is the first of its kind manufactured in Poland equipped with the dual power module, enabling its operation on non-electrified sidings.”

Edited from press release by Angharad Lock

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/23062016/freightliner-poland-names-first-dragon-locomotive-325/