Northrail’s first new DE 18 arrived in Sweden for test runs

Vossloh Rolling Stock has delivered the first of Northrail’s future new DE 18 locomotives to Sweden where it will undergo dynamic test runs in order to obtain homologation and approval for Sweden and later on also for Norway. The locomotive, equipped with the latest Stage V engine technology, arrived in Sweden on 12 April 2025 and marks the start of a broader establishment of Northrail in the Swedish market.

Northrail has ordered a total of ten DE 18s, with an option for ten more. Michael Trentzsch, Chief Investment Officer and Chief Commercial Officer at Northrail, said: "We see a clear demand for strong modern and low-emission locomotives in Sweden. With the DE 18 we can offer a future-proof solution that combines power, flexibility and sustainability."

The locomotive now delivered will undergo technical adaptation for the Swedish market, including installation of the ETCS OBU, as well as the local Swedish ATC-2. The first dynamic tests will take place in 2025 and the initial J5 approval is expected in early 2026.