A historic moment was experienced in the CZ LOKO plant in Jihlava tonight after midnight when they dispatched the first of a total of five EffiShunter 1000 locomotives ordered by Trainpoint Norway to Sweden. It is expected to be put into operation during the first months of 2023.
“We see a great market potential in Sweden and Norway. Rail transport is perceived here as a gentle alternative in protecting the environment and is therefore undergoing greening. And this is, of course, accompanied by the modernization and renewal of the vehicle fleet. And we want to be there,” says Michal Schaffer, CZ LOKO Sales Department Manager
His words are also confirmed by another contract for the supply of five EffiShunters 1000 concluded in August with AC Finance, a subsidiary of Railcare. It also includes an option for four more locomotives.
“We consider this a great success and confidence in the CZ LOKO brand. Railcare is one of the renowned suppliers of railway infrastructure maintenance services in the Nordic countries and the fact that it has opted for our locomotives only confirms their European competitiveness. However, it should be added that this is not a simple project. Although the vehicle is based on the serial version, modifications associated mainly with the local security equipment have cost us and will still cost us a lot of effort, time and money,” adds Michal Schaffer, CZ LOKO Sales Department Manager
According to him, these are still only the first steps, because the most difficult thing still awaits the company in the local market – the approval process, demanding operating and climatic conditions, in which customer feedback is also important. CZ LOKO also confirmed this in neighbouring Finland, where six EffiShunter 1600 (774.7 series) locomotives have been operating in the colours of the Fenniarail Oy carrier since 2015.
“Our ambition is for the EffiShunter 1000 to become the standard shunting locomotive in Scandinavia for the next twenty, thirty years,” stated Michal Schaffer. “In its category, it is one of the best locomotives that are available on the European rail market. It is, therefore, a proven quality at an affordable price.”
The four-axle EffiShunter 1000 has established itself in Europe due to its reliable and cost-effective operation. As standard, it is equipped with the uniform European Train Control System (ETCS). For the Scandinavian market, it will be complemented by the national ATC train control system. This will enable its use not only for shunting but also in full-fledged line service. Sweden has thus become the twentieth country to which CZ LOKO exports its locomotives.
Trainpoint Norway - 744.144
744.144 - Jihlava, Dalibor Palko
Trainpoint Norway - 744.144
744.144, Lukáš Ružička