Siemens Mobility secures €744m Amtrak contract to modernise U.S. rail fleet

Siemens Mobility has secured a landmark €744 million contract with the United States National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak), a deal that will see the company design and manufacture 75 advanced Charger diesel-electric locomotives. This substantial agreement marks a key development in the ongoing effort to modernise the U.S. passenger rail system, particularly focusing on replacing and supplementing Amtrak’s aging diesel locomotive fleet used for long-distance and state-supported routes. With delivery beginning in summer 2021 and full operational deployment expected by 2024, these locomotives will serve a critical role in enhancing Amtrak’s efficiency, sustainability, and passenger experience.

The strategic move to replace Amtrak’s older fleet with Siemens Mobility’s high-performance locomotives is expected to provide substantial improvements in both operational and environmental performance. With the locomotives manufactured at Siemens’ North American facility in Sacramento, California, these advanced units will be deployed across a network spanning the United States, from north to south and east to west. The Chargers will serve routes critical to both regional travel and long-distance journeys, offering improved speeds, greater reliability, and a heightened focus on sustainability, all while ensuring passenger safety and satisfaction.

Key Features of the New Siemens Mobility Locomotives

The new locomotives, designed by Siemens Mobility, will be equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, making them both high-performance and environmentally friendly. The Charger locomotives, which are already in use in North America, are well-regarded for their durability and efficiency, with over 70 units currently in service. They travel an estimated five million kilometres annually, showcasing the capabilities of this cutting-edge technology.

Each of the 75 new locomotives will be powered by a QSK95 Cummins engine, a 16-cylinder engine capable of producing 4,400 horsepower. With this powerful engine, the locomotives can reach speeds of up to 125 miles per hour, enabling Amtrak to maintain faster service across its network. In addition to their speed, these locomotives are designed for superior traction control, providing smoother, more efficient operations compared to their predecessors.

A key selling point of the new Charger locomotives is their eco-friendliness. Siemens Mobility’s new locomotives meet the latest Tier 4 emissions standards, drastically reducing harmful emissions when compared to older, non-compliant diesel engines. They achieve a remarkable reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions, cutting them by over 89%, and particulate matter by 95%. This significant reduction in emissions aligns with growing environmental concerns and underscores Siemens Mobility’s commitment to sustainable rail transport.

In addition to their environmental benefits, the new locomotives are equipped with advanced safety systems, including Crash Energy Management and Positive Train Control (PTC), which is mandated by U.S. authorities for enhanced safety. These features make the locomotives significantly safer, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring better overall performance.

Enhancing Passenger Experience and Long-Term Sustainability

According to Sabrina Soussan, CEO of Siemens Mobility, the company is particularly proud to expand its longstanding partnership with Amtrak. Siemens Mobility’s collaboration with Amtrak began nearly a decade ago when the company first supplied locomotives for the Northeast Corridor, one of the busiest rail routes in the United States, linking Washington, D.C., and New York City. Through this new contract, Siemens is further solidifying its role as a key player in the North American rail industry.

Soussan emphasised that these new locomotives would not only enhance the passenger experience through increased comfort and reliability but would also offer long-term operational efficiency. The Chargers’ state-of-the-art design, coupled with advanced technology, will enable Amtrak to reduce maintenance costs, improve availability, and achieve greater overall sustainability throughout the locomotives’ lifecycle. This is part of a broader trend in the rail industry to improve performance and reduce environmental impact while meeting growing demand for efficient, green transportation solutions.

The Chargers’ superior fuel efficiency and reduced emissions directly contribute to Amtrak’s environmental goals. Siemens Mobility has designed the locomotives with the intention of making a lasting positive impact on U.S. rail transport, focusing on cleaner, greener operations and aligning with global efforts to combat climate change. The environmental advancements of these locomotives are likely to have a lasting impact on the rail industry, potentially influencing similar projects across North America and beyond.

The Future of Rail Transport in the United States

The contract between Siemens Mobility and Amtrak comes at a time when the U.S. rail industry is undergoing significant changes. The demand for environmentally friendly, efficient, and high-speed rail transport is increasing, and Siemens Mobility’s new locomotives will play a pivotal role in meeting these demands. Amtrak’s investment in these state-of-the-art locomotives is a major step forward in modernising the U.S. passenger rail network, positioning the company to offer more reliable, faster, and greener service for years to come.

The new locomotives are part of a broader strategy to modernise U.S. infrastructure and improve the overall passenger rail experience. With growing environmental concerns and the push for cleaner energy solutions, the adoption of advanced rail technologies like the Siemens Mobility Chargers is a critical move toward the decarbonisation of public transportation.

Looking Ahead

With the ongoing expansion of the U.S. rail network and the implementation of innovative technologies like the Siemens Mobility Chargers, the future of rail transport looks promising. By investing in these modern, environmentally friendly locomotives, Amtrak is setting the stage for a more efficient, sustainable, and safer rail service across the United States. The continued success of Siemens Mobility’s locomotives is likely to inspire further investments in green technologies and create lasting changes in how rail systems operate, both in the U.S. and internationally.