2018

March 27

Akiem signs the first order for 10x TRAXX 3 MS electric locomotives, with an option for 6x additional units, following a ten-year full-service leasing contract with Interporto Servizi Cargo (ISC).

These locomotives are intended for Interporto Servizi Cargo's freight operations. They are designed to operate on the Italian domestic market and can traverse both standard and high-speed lines due to their multi-system capability (3 kV DC, 15 kV AC and 25 kV AC), allowing connections with both the German and Austrian networks.

This order is ultimately unfulfilled, as Bombardier does not secure the necessary certifications.
 

Sources: https://railcolornews.com/2018/04/10/it-interporto-servizi-cargo-signs-a-full-service-contract-with-akiem-for-10-traxx-ms3-electrics/, https://railcolornews.com/2024/10/30/locomotive-innotrans-2024-what-is-new-in-the-traxx-universal-project-for-akiem/

2023

July 17

Akiem expresses confidence that the Traxx 3 electric locomotive will make a comeback under Alstom management, leading to a frame contract for 100x Traxx 3 MS electric locomotives and a first firm order of 65x units.

Details about these locomotives include:
country-specific packages that will cover twelve countries: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic and Slovakia;
a portion of the fleet equipped with either a diesel or battery last-mile feature, enabling access to ports, terminals, or industrial sites without the need for a shunting locomotive;
a maximum operating speed of 160 km/h for both freight and passenger services;
all locomotives will incorporate Alstom’s Atlas onboard solution for ETCS.

France is the key market, as the Traxx 3 MS would become the first modern multi-system locomotive certified for operation in the country. The Siemens Vectron, a popular modern electric locomotive, is not yet authorized in France. Fabien Rochefort, CEO of Akiem, states, “Akiem is thrilled to place this new order with Alstom. We are continuously investing in our locomotive portfolio to serve our customers and develop new market positions. This investment will enable us to offer new efficient and sustainable routes, contributing to an increased modal shift towards rail in Europe. 55x locomotives from this order will operate from France to Europe, following a decade without deliveries. We aim to rejuvenate rail freight and intercity passenger transport in France and foster innovation and competition with the support of our maintenance and service teams.”

Final assembly will take place at the Alstom facility in Kassel, Germany. Deliveries are scheduled for 2025-2028. Trial operations in France are anticipated to begin in 2025, with full operations commencing in 2026.
 

Sources: https://www.alstom.com/sites/alstom.com/files/2023/07/17/20230717_PR_Akiem%20Traxx_EN_0.pdf

2024

March 15

Akiem initiates collaboration with Alstom to conduct certification testing for the Traxx 3 MS locomotives.

These locomotives are intended to operate on routes connecting France with several European countries. A commercial agreement reached on March 15th outlines the certification testing and upcoming delivery of the first 3x Alstom Traxx 3 MS prototypes. These prototypes are designed for operation across networks in Italy, France, Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Specifically:
two locomotives in a D - A - CH - I - F configuration (for the Germany - Austria - Switzerland - Italy - France freight corridors);
the third locomotive in a D - A - CH - I - F - NL - B configuration (for the Germany - Austria - Switzerland - Italy - France - The Netherlands - Belgium freight corridors).

The introduction of the 3x prototypes, all branded with Akiem, aims to meet the requirements of rail operators for a solution that is both effective and high-performing.

Akiem's initiative contributes to the rail sector in France and Europe. The company will be the first to own locomotives capable of traversing the entire corridor from Belgium to Italy, including routes along both sides of the Rhine river (either through Germany or France). This initiative supports Akiem's strategy to enhance and modernize the rail freight industry by investing in corridors that connect France with several other European nations. These efforts aim to introduce new routes and promote a shift toward rail transportation across Europe.
 

Sources: https://railmarket.com/news/rolling-stock/17829-akiem-involved-in-alstom-traxx-ms3-locomotives-certification-in-france

2024

May 4

Traxx 3 MS electric locomotive number 188 011 is seen in Kassel (DE), displaying the Akiem logo:



This locomotive is not new, having been spotted in Kassel in 2021. It was intended for delivery to TX Logistik, which ordered 40x locomotives, with numbers 188 010 - 049 reserved for this series. These units were never delivered because the manufacturer failed to obtain the necessary authorizations at the time.
 

Sources: https://railcolornews.com/2024/05/05/locomotive-in-the-picture-this-is-a-new-traxx-3-ms-for-akiem/

2024

May 15

With the inauguration of its first maintenance centre in France1, Akiem presents one of its Traxx 3 MS electric locomotives in a special livery:




1 After over three years of work and an investment of EUR 25 million, Akiem inaugurates its new locomotive maintenance centre in northern France, near Ostricourt. This opening is part of the leasing company’s initiative to extend its services. When Akiem leases locomotives, it also provides maintenance services, which sometimes require heavy infrastructure that Akiem does not own. This new facility addresses this issue and doubles the company’s maintenance capacity.
 

Sources: https://railcolornews.com/2024/05/17/locomotive-akiem-unveils-its-brand-new-maintenance-centre-and-a-special-locomotive/

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Latest update on the 24th of February 2025 at 23:07

Contributor(s): Tudor C.

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