Cross-border rail freight services between Spain and Portugal have been strengthened with the delivery of a new fleet of six Stadler EURO4000 locomotives to rolling stock lease firm Alpha Trains. Four will be operated under a long-term hire agreement by Spanish rail logistics specialist Medway.

Built at the Stadler Valencias Albuixech plant, the units are designed specifically for freight operations in the Iberian market, and are equipped with Spanish and Portuguese signalling systems and radio. It is the first time Medway has leased locomotives from Alpha, who described the deal as ‘an investment in a sustainable future’.

Broad portfolio

Shaun Mills, CEO of the Alpha Trains Group, said: “Our broad portfolio of rolling stock for various needs and customer-tailored leasing solutions facilitates modal shift from road to rail and hence, reduces CO2 emissions. This contributes to the achievement of the European Union´s greenhouse gas reduction target.”

Carlos Vasconcelos, President of the Medway Board, said: “Expanding and updating our fleet with these four new interoperable locomotives represents a huge step towards our business goals: it will officially mean the entrance in the Spanish market, through a focus on innovation, sustainability and modernization, which will surely be key for us on our way to turn Medway into the leading freight operator in the Iberian Peninsula.”