Alstom Signs Major Framework Agreement with Northrail for Next-Generation Shunting Locomotives
News related to:Alstom S.A · 2 min read
On 23 September 2026, Alstom, the global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, announced a significant milestone with the signing of a framework agreement with Northrail, Europe’s leading rolling stock leasing company. This agreement marks the commercial launch of Alstom’s new Traxx Shunter platform, a next-generation shunting locomotive designed to meet the evolving needs of rail operators.
Northrail, majority-owned by RIVE Private Investment through RTAIF, an infrastructure fund dedicated to decarbonizing transport, has ordered up to 100 Traxx Shunter locomotives. The order, valued at up to 700 million euros, includes 10 years of maintenance services, worth approximately 100 million euros, for deployment in Germany. The first deliveries are scheduled for late 2029, with the locomotives being designed and assembled at Alstom’s Belfort center of excellence in France.
The Traxx Shunter locomotive platform is a modular and scalable design that offers operators a flexible solution for a wide range of shunting, track works, and mainline operations. It features both a pantograph and diesel propulsion, providing high power and tractive effort for medium to heavy-duty shunting operations, including on mainline networks. The locomotive can operate at speeds of up to 120 km/h, offering high availability and substantial CO₂ savings.
Alstom’s Traxx Shunter platform is part of the company’s broadest locomotive portfolio, covering most global markets for electric and hybrid locomotives. With over 200 years of experience in locomotive design and manufacturing, Alstom has sold more than 6,000 units worldwide since the year 2000. The company also has over 30 years of experience providing services for locomotives and maintains over 2,450 locomotives globally. The Traxx Shunter leverages Alstom’s long-standing expertise in optimizing total cost of ownership, equipped with HealthHub, a digital condition-based and predictive maintenance solution.
The Traxx Shunter platform offers a range of benefits, including high driver comfort and safety, with a driver’s cab designed to meet operational requirements, offering excellent visibility, quick changes of driving direction, and ample space for both the driver and additional personnel on board. The locomotive is fitted with the modular Onvia ETCS system and can accommodate national signaling systems whenever required.
In conclusion, the agreement between Alstom and Northrail represents a significant step forward in the decarbonization of the European rail industry. With the potential to supply up to 100 Traxx Shunter locomotives and up to 20 years of maintenance, this framework agreement underscores Alstom’s commitment to sustainable transportation solutions.