FS Logistix expands freight locomotive fleet with new CZ LOKO order

FS Logistix, through its subsidiary Mercitalia Shunting & Terminal, is expanding its rail freight fleet with the purchase of six additional EffiShunter 1000 locomotives from Czech manufacturer CZ LOKO.

The acquisition forms part of the company’s Strategic Plan and its ongoing programme to renew and strengthen its rolling stock fleet. The new locomotives will support freight transport and shunting activities, particularly on non-electrified railway lines where operational flexibility is essential.

According to FS Logistix, the additional units are expected to improve service reliability and operational capacity while delivering benefits in fuel consumption, emissions and operating costs. The transaction represents the fourth order for this locomotive family placed by FS Logistix companies over the past decade, continuing a partnership with CZ LOKO that began in 2017.

Strengthening freight and terminal operations

The EffiShunter 1000 is designed for a range of railway and logistics applications, including shunting operations at terminals and ports, train recovery, transfer services and the movement of heavy freight trains using double traction.

Each locomotive has a power output of 895 kW and a maximum tractive effort of 267 kN. The model is designed to combine operational versatility with reduced fuel consumption, noise levels and operating costs.

The locomotives are authorised to operate on Italy’s national railway network, managed by Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI), as well as on the country’s main regional railway networks.

Internationally, more than 100 EffiShunter 1000 locomotives have been sold, with the model operating in eight European countries.

Sabrina De Filippis, CEO of FS Logistix, said the new order forms part of the company’s continuing fleet renewal and expansion programme. She highlighted the objective of improving the efficiency, reliability and sustainability of freight mobility through economies of scale in rolling stock management and higher service quality.

Livio Ravera, CEO and General Manager of Mercitalia Shunting & Terminal, also emphasised the versatility of the CZ LOKO locomotives and their suitability for the company’s operational requirements.

According to Ravera, the six additional units will contribute to improving the company’s service offering, with anticipated benefits in fuel consumption and emissions.

Long-standing partnership with CZ LOKO

The latest purchase builds on a commercial relationship established in 2017, when Mercitalia Shunting & Terminal ordered its first five CZ LOKO 744.1 locomotives.

Those units were delivered in 2018 and are currently used for shunting operations in Ravenna, Padua and Milan Smistamento.

The partnership continued in 2021 with the introduction of five additional 744.1 locomotives in Mercitalia Rail livery. These units operate across Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy and Piedmont.

In 2022, Mercitalia Shunting & Terminal acquired another two locomotives of the same family, which are also used for shunting activities by Terminali Italia.

The latest six-unit order further extends the relationship between FS Logistix and CZ LOKO, with maintenance of the manufacturer’s locomotives operated by FS Logistix companies provided by CZ LOKO Italia.

Josef Gulyas, CEO of CZ LOKO, welcomed the renewed order, describing it as recognition of the quality and reliability of the company’s railway solutions.

The acquisition is intended to strengthen FS Logistix’s capacity to support freight movements across its railway and terminal network, including operations that require diesel-powered locomotives on non-electrified infrastructure.

The companies have not disclosed the financial value of the order or a specific delivery schedule for the six new locomotives.