Rail Logistics Europe (RLE), the structure grouping SNCF’s rail freight subsidiaries, has opened a register of interest for the auction of 26 locomotives put up for sale by new entity, Hexafret, following the Fret SNCF discontinuity plan that came into effect on 1 January 2025.
The aim is to identify potential buyers and gather purchase intentions before the sales phase begins. The process is open to all stakeholders in France and Europe. Extensive technical information is available in both French and English. The register of interest was opened in the latter half of last month and runs until 30 November.
A RLE spokesperson confirmed to RailFreight.com that the batch is made up of used electric and diesel locomotives that are either in running condition or can be broken down for parts. They include 13 BB 36300 tri-current electric locomotives, 8 BB 60000 diesel locomotives and 5 BB 75000 locomotives.
An initial batch of 10 BB27000s has already been sold but the identity of the buyer has not been disclosed. The Fret SNCF discontinuity plan makes provision for the sale of a total of 53 locomotives.
Surplus fleet
“It is important to point out that all of these assets to be sold or disposed of have been held within the divestment structure since the creation of Hexafret and (locomotive maintenance unit) Technis. Since 1 January 2025, both companies have been operating in their final form and do not rely on these assets in any way,” the spokesperson underlined.
The disposals imposed by the Fret SNCF discontinuity plan aside, BB 60000 locomotives are designed for terminal and shunting operations. They are now viewed as surplus to requirements at Hexafret due to the closure of numerous capillary or secondary lines and the decline in single wagon load traffic since their delivery in the late 2000s.