rail traction

On the main routes between the seaports and our inland terminals, we consolidate containers into block trains. Our traction partners primarily use electric locomotives for this purpose. These are powered by the railway power grid.

The electric locomotives in use can recover energy during braking and feed it back into the railway power grid (regenerative braking). A driver assistance system provides train operators with guidance on energy-efficient driving. During short stops, the locomotives switch unnecessary auxiliary units to an energy-saving mode. Train operators receive regular training in energy-efficient driving.

Thanks to their high tractive force, the locomotives can haul long and heavy trains even on steeply graded routes. This allows each train to transport more containers.

The mainline locomotives are equipped with disc brakes and also utilize their traction motors during braking. This reduces braking noise and wear. The locomotives meet the noise requirements of the European TSI Noise standard.¹

¹) TSI = Technical Specifications for Interoperability, specifications for rail interoperability within the European Economic Area