Coronavirus complicates both production and export, but CZ LOKO EffiShunters are still heading to customers

21.10.2020

Although the coronavirus pandemic has closed some borders and significantly complicated the movement of goods and people, CZ LOKO is still able to deliver its locomotives to customers. “This currently concerns five locomotives. Two EffiShunter 1600 locomotives to Finland and Ukraine and three EffiShunter 1000 locomotives to Italy,” said Jan Kutálek, Sales Director of CZ LOKO. According to him, the biggest complication is commissioning of the locomotives and operator training at the customers’ site.

Two EffiShunter 1600 locomotives, resulting from a complete modernization of the former locomotives nicknamed “Bumblebee” (ČME 3), will be operated by the Finnish carrier Fennia Rail and the Ukrainian ironworks ArcelorMittal Krivoj Rog. Both vehicles left Česká Třebová in a regular ČD Cargo freight train. At the Slovak depot Haniska pri Košiciach, they were fitted with broad-gauge bogies – 1520 mm (Ukraine) and 1524 mm (Finland) – and continued to their destinations via the Čierna nad Tisou/Čop border crossing.

Three new EffiShunter 1000 locomotives manufactured at the Jihlava plant will strengthen the Italian railway carriers FNM (744.129 and 130) and EVM Rail (744.131). At the beginning of next year, FNM will receive two more locomotives. The new vehicles left Česká Třebová on their own and headed to Břeclav, where they were taken over by an Austrian carrier.

CZ LOKO workers accompanying the locomotives must pass a COVID-19 test, as must the driver. However, the complete closure of the Ukrainian border makes it impossible to start training local staff at the ArcelorMittal ironworks.

CZ LOKO must also deal with other complications caused by the coronavirus outbreak, especially with delayed deliveries of subcontracted components. This also affects the production of ordered vehicles.

“We try to do our best to maintain a smooth production process, but it is very difficult. Every day brings new problems related to COVID-19. Once these are resolved, more will come the next day. It is truly extremely frustrating. However, we are fully aware of the need to follow all measures without reservations so as not to endanger the health of our employees and other partners. That is currently the main priority,” adds Jan Kutálek.