European countries should hand over their old but operational locomotives to Ukraine, the Polish operator Laude Smart Intermodal argues. In turn, Europe could renew its fleet with new locomotives financed with EU aid. Ukraine has lost over 600 locomotives due to Russian attacks, while Polish companies retain several hundred decommissioned diesel units.
Since the start of Russia’s invasion, 533 Ukrainian Railways (UZ) locomotives and 75 privately owned ones have been damaged, the company said. Only some can be repaired. A transfer of old, decommissioned European locomotives could go a long way in helping UZ restore its traction capacity, Laude Smart Intermodal believes.
Many freight locomotives in the EU were built in the East, and their axles can be replaced relatively easily to suit Ukraine’s network, the Polish operator says. Besides, Ukraine is not asking for new locomotives, but for machines that can enter service almost immediately, Laude pointed out.
Replace and transfer
“I am absolutely convinced that European countries should transfer a very large proportion of their old but operational locomotives nearing the end of their service lives to Ukraine”, said President of the Management Board at Laude Smart Intermodal, Marcin Witczak. Europe could then replace them with new equipment supported by EU funds. As an added bonus, this would boost European manufacturers and make EU freight operations more predictable. The efficiency of Europe’s old locomotives is below 50%, Witczak added.
Maintenance in Ukraine should be limited to keeping the locomotives operational, and could take place on the Polish side of the border, the Laude president argued. “There is no shortage of suitable locations along the Polish sections of broad-gauge railway lines.” However, Polish operators have virtually no capacity to transfer locomotives themselves, Witczak added. Finland is better placed, partly because its network still uses broad gauge.
Finland leads the way
Finland will do exactly that. It is planning to hand over 10 Dv12 diesel locomotives and spare parts to UZ free of charge, the Ukrainian Ministry for Restoration, Infrastructure and Transport announced on 23 October. RailFreight.com reported earlier that up to 15 more could follow from European partners. In the meantime, Laude suggests transferring several hundred old diesel locomotives that Polish companies have already taken out of operation. Those that can no longer run would provide spare parts.