On March 27, 2015, BLS Cargo ordered 15 Vectron locomotives from Siemens for use in international traffic between the Netherlands and Italy. The locomotives are equipped with pantographs, traction equipment, train protection systems, train radio, and other country-specific items to be able to run in 5 countries: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and the Netherlands.

In the months leading up to the signing of the contract, BLS conducted tests with different types of locomotives to better assess all the options available before proceeding with the purchase. The Prima II built by Alstom was discarded almost immediately because it did not meet the necessary requirements, so that only Bombardier Traxx 3 and Siemens Vectron remained in the race, the latter being the most suitable.