Voith Gravita locomotive.

INNOTRANS: Deutsche Bahn has placed a contract with Voith Turbo Lokomotivtechnik for 130 Gravita 10 BB diesel-hydraulic shunting locomotives worth around €250m.

To be designated Class 260, the locomotives will replace Class 291 and 295 locos when they enter service with DB Schenker Rail in 2010-12. The 1 000 kW machines will weigh 80 tonnes and have a top speed of 100 km/h, but DB said the technical options are still to be agreed.

‘The purchase of these diesel-hydraulic locomotives is the next systematic step in Deutsche Bahn’s investment programme in the modernisation of its fleet,’ said Dr Klaus Kremper, Chairman of Railion Deutschland. ‘Powerful high-tech vehicles are more energy-efficient and give us important competitive advantages.’

Railway Gazette International is the official international media partner of InnoTrans.