For more than 140 years, voestalpine Stahl Donawitz GmbH has stood for quality, innovation and technical excellence in European steel production. In its home region, at the heart of the Austrian iron and steel industry, the company has built up an extensive infrastructure network that ensures both the manufacture of high-quality steel products and their transport. In order to further modernise its connecting railway operations and implement sustainable solutions at the same time, voestalpine has once again chosen GMEINDER LOKOMOTIVEN as its reliable partner.
A new generation: the DE 75 Bo'Bo' hybrid locomotive
GMEINDER is bringing the latest hybrid locomotive in the DE 75 series to Donawitz – a four-axle series with a Bo'Bo' axle arrangement. The locomotive combines a diesel-electric drive system with an integrated battery pack, enabling it to switch between pure diesel and hybrid operation. This modular concept makes the DE 75 BB particularly flexible:
| Feature | Description |
| Drive | Diesel engine and lithium-ion battery pack |
| Axle arrangement | Bo'Bo' – four independent traction motors for maximum traction and homogeneity |
| Power | 708 kW |
| Starting tractive force | 260 kN |
| Max. speed | 15–40 km/h (shunting speed) |
| Area of application | Medium to heavy shunting operations on connecting railways |
The locomotive was developed for the specific requirements of voestalpine: high load capacity, precise braking in tight curves, short start-up and departure times, and the option of switching off the diesel engine when necessary and operating exclusively on battery power – especially in sensitive production areas or at events with high emission pressure.
Why GMEINDER LOKOMOTIVEN is the right choice
- Experienced partnership – After four successful deliveries in recent years, voestalpine has once again placed its trust in GMEINDER LOKOMOTIVEN. The new DE 75 continues the success story.
- Modularity and adaptability – GMEINDER offers customised configurations: From a pure diesel system to a hybrid setup with two diesel generators, a battery or even a complete electric system. This means that voestalpine receives exactly the right package for its operating conditions.
- Sustainability – Thanks to hybrid technology, the locomotive reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 30% compared to conventional diesel locomotives. This supports voestalpine in achieving its climate targets and complying with legal requirements.
- Performance orientation – Despite its environmentally friendly design, the DE 75 is still able to meet the high demands of industrial shunting operations: fast acceleration, high tractive force and robust construction.
The impact on everyday operations at voestalpine
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Reduced noise emissions – When running on battery power, the locomotive operates almost silently, significantly reducing noise levels in the steel production facility.
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Improved safety – The four-axle configuration ensures even load distribution and high stability in tight curves and during rapid changes of direction – an important factor in the confined factory environment.
