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- From past to present: Transforming the EA229 locomotive for modern and sustainable rail transport
We are proud to contribute to the modernization of rail transport in Romania through dedicated projects for CFR Călători, our long-term partner. As part of the project funded through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), we have committed to transforming existing locomotives into modern solutions tailored to the current needs of public passenger transport. From Past to Present: Modernizing Locomotives In February 2024, the EA229 locomotive, previously a pride of the Brașov depot, embarked on a remarkable journey toward modernization. Originally manufactured in 1975 at Electroputere Craiova, it had been retired from service. Today, we have successfully transformed it into a high-performance locomotive, adapted to the requirements of modern rail transport. The initial stage of the locomotive The Initial Stage of the Locomotive The locomotives we are modernizing for CFR Călători were initially developed with classic DC electric motors, which supported rail transport for decades. While robust and efficient by the standards of their time, they required a major update to meet today’s technological and environmental demands. We undertook a comprehensive modernization process: The DC motors were replaced with high-performance asynchronous motors, providing superior energy efficiency and requiring less maintenance. The outdated control systems were replaced with advanced digital systems, improving reliability and operational precision. The component we keep from the old locomotive Upgrades for Modern Safety and Performance Today, our locomotives for CFR Călători are equipped with the European Train Control System (ETCS), a European standard ensuring safety across the rail network. This enables the locomotives to operate seamlessly on various European lines, contributing to Romania’s integration into the international transport network. Additionally, the locomotives feature: Modern traction control units for smooth and optimized acceleration. Advanced inverters that convert electrical energy with exceptional efficiency. Additionally, the locomotives feature: Modern traction control units for smooth and optimized acceleration. Advanced inverters that convert electrical energy with exceptional efficiency. Regenerative braking systems that reduce energy consumption and support more sustainable transport. Official Certification and Excellence Standards The modernized locomotive underwent rigorous testing and received certification from ONFR-AFER, a notified body ensuring compliance with all technical and safety requirements mandated by national and European regulations. Impact on Romania's Rail Network With a power output of 5,100 kW and enhanced efficiency, the new locomotive is perfectly suited to rail transport. By employing asynchronous motors and digital systems, we have significantly reduced operational costs and increased the lifespan of the equipment. A Step Forward for Sustainable Rail Transport This project demonstrates our commitment to greener, safer, and more efficient transport. By modernizing locomotives for CFR Călători, we are helping to reduce carbon emissions and build an infrastructure ready to meet the challenges of the future. We are proud to be part of the transformation of rail transport in Romania. Our collaboration with CFR Călători motivates us to bring innovation and excellence, supporting both sustainable mobility and the economic development of Romania.
- Softronic - 25 years of Romanian rail innovation
In 2024, Softronic marks a quarter of a century of activity, continuing Craiova's tradition in the construction of electric locomotives. With a rich history and a firm commitment to innovation and sustainability, Softronic has become a reference name in the European rail industry. Our mission and vision Meeting customer requirements remains our top priority, by offering high quality products while remaining competitive and environmentally friendly. We aim to be a leading player in Europe in the production of electric locomotives, passenger transportation, vehicle maintenance and the development of rail safety solutions. Celebrating success together The 25th anniversary was marked with a special event attended by employees and partners. The festive atmosphere was enriched by inspirational speeches highlighting the company's achievements and future plans. Ion Girniță, one of Softronic's associates, recalled the beginnings with just 5 employees and the remarkable evolution to a team of over 500 people. "We have built electric trains successfully operating in Romania, Scandinavia and other countries. It is a moment of pride and gratitude for all the hard work," he emphasized, sending a message to the next generation to take up the baton with confidence. "It has been 25 years in which we have had a lot of satisfaction, a lot of ac hievements. It has been a great effort, we have relied on intelligence, creativity, and a lot of hard work. A word of advice to your parents is to prepare for work and inspire yourself to work. We are past, we must prepare ourselves to pass the baton to the new generations, they must have the opportunity to develop, to fulfill their ideals, just as we have fulfilled ours in these 25 years." - Mr. Girniță added. "It has been a challenging year, which we overcame through joint efforts. We are proud of our team and the positive impact we are having on the rail industry," said Sebastian Ghiță, Commercial Director. Special thanks This success would not have been possible without the contribution of our employees, partners, and customers. Softronic would like to thank everyone who has been with us on this journey and invites them to stay close to us. We look to the future with optimism, continuing to innovate and contribute to the creation of sustainable, digitalized, and efficient rail transport.
- Vest Trans Rail purchases the 3'rd TransMontana v3.1 locomotive, TM 088.
Vest Trans Rail has recently purchased from Softronic Craiova the 3'rd NNTR certified TM (TransMontana) v3.1 locomotive for commercial freight service in Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary. In addition to TransMontana 088, Vest Trans Rail has also in its active fleet of locomotives on TM 075 and TM 054. The company has over 30 locomotives, aprox. 50 employees and aprox. 890 freight cars in it's portfolio.
- PSP Cargo Romania acquires TransMontana 080 locomotive from Softronic Craiova
TransMontana 080 (graphic rendering) The new Client of SOFTRONIC, PSP Cargo Romania, acquires TransMontana 080 locomotive. PSP Cargo Group Romania is part of the parent company PETROLSPED Kft, with over 20 years of experience in the logistics and rail transport industry. Currently, the organization has branches in Slovakia, Slovenia, Romania, Austria and Germany.
- Softronic delivers 2 new TransMontana locomotives to one of its most important customers, DB Cargo Romania
TransMontana 082 (graphic rendering) DB Cargo Romania Group consolidates its status as one of the most important customers of SOFTRONIC in Romania. The TransMontana TM 082 locomotive will be delivered to the German railway operator in Romania at the end of December 2023. The second TransMontana (TM 085) will be delivered at the end of April 2024. Thus, DB Cargo will reach a fleet of 27 new locomotives, purchased in approximately 10 years from the manufacturer SOFTRONIC Craiova. Deutsche Bahn Cargo România, subsidiary of the largest railway carrier in Europe - DB Cargo AG - has been present on the local market since 2000, offering customers from various industries, shunting and freight transport services by rail, as well as staff training schools in the field railway. Through a fleet located on the entire railway network in Romania, with over 70 locomotives, approximately 3800 wagons and over 1100 employees, quality national and international transports are ensured, economically viable, environmentally friendly and reliable for customers.
- 4 New TransMontana Locomotives for Green Cargo Sweden, delivered by the end of the year
Softronic Craiova delivers TransMontana Locomotives 076 (Mb 4019) and 077 (Mb4020) to Sweden and, until the end of 2023, two more locomotives produced by Softronic will go to Sweden, namely 078 (Mb 4021) together with 079 (Mb 4022): 076 - S-GC Mb 4019 delivered in Sweden; 077 - S-GC Mb 4020 delivered in Sweden; 078 - S-GC Mb 4021 final tests; 079 - S-GC Mb 4022 final tests. Manufactured to offer availability and reliability, designed to fulfill all weather conditions make this locomotive the first option when it comes to heavy railway freight transportation in Sweden. TransMontana ver 3.2 has all four CE certificates according to the Technical Specifications of Interoperability (TSI). The Technical Specifications of Interoperability define the technical and operational standards that must be fulfilled by every subsystem or part of a subsystem to meet all the requirements of the European Union railway system.
- TransMontana 075 - the second locomotive for West Trans Rails, in service
TransMontana 075, is the last locomotive produced and active in circulation, being allocated to the private freight railway operator VTR (West Trans Rails). The locomotives are TSI (Technical Specifications for Interoperability) authorized at European level for towing freight trains with V.max 120km/h on conventional railways. Vest Trans Rail currently owns 4 TransMontana v3.1 locomotives authorized NNTR locally in Bulgaria and Romania, the locomotives have the series: => 480-054 (VTR), 480-063 (former Bulmarket), 480-064 (former Bulmarket) and the most recent 480-075 (VTR). Vest Trans Rail asynchronous locomotives can be seen almost every day on the Curtici - Constanța Port and Craiova - Socola routes. The company is being in a continuous expansion plans to purchase a 5th TransMontana locomotive, in the near future! ETCS is the central component for signaling and controlling trains with ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System), the European Rail Traffic Management System. The TransMontana locomotive is a Co-Co type electric locomotive, equipped with six asynchronous electric motors, it has a power of 6000 kW (continuously rated power electronically limited). It can operate both on networks fed with alternating current at 25 kV and 50 Hz, and on networks fed with alternating current at 15 kV and 162/3 Hz.
- TransMontana 071, the first locomotive equipped with Thales ETCS for LTE Rail Romania
SOFTRONIC is going to introduce it in tests the first locomotive equipped with Thales ETCS, Softronic TransMontana v3.2. The 5 locomotives in the framework contract signed in the summer of 2022 are part of the new version (v3.2) which will also be equipped with ETCS, provided by Thales Group. The locomotives will be authorized according to TSI specifications. LTE Rail Romania will own at the beginning of 2025 a fleet of 10 locomotives manufactured in Softronic Craiova between 2017 and 2024, versions 1.0, 2.0 and 3.2. The constant evolution of the TransMontana project and the 6 asynchronous traction systems make the locomotives produced in Softronic a successful export product since 2018, being ideal locomotives for the traction of heavy freight trains on hill and mountain railways. ETCS is the central component for signaling and controlling trains with ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System), the European Rail Traffic Management System. The TransMontana locomotive is a Co-Co type electric locomotive, equipped with six asynchronous electric motors, it has a power of 6000 kW (continuously rated power electronically limited). It can operate both on networks fed with alternating current at 25 kV and 50 Hz, and on networks fed with alternating current at 15 kV and 162/3 Hz.
- TransMontana v3.1 & v3.2 have obtained TSI certification
LEMA (Electric Locomotives with Asynchronous Motors) locomotives, known as Transmontana V3.1 and V3.2, obtained the CE certificate of conformity according to the Technical Specification of Interoperability – Regulation (EU) 2016/919 of May 2016 on the technical specification for interoperability relating to the “control-command and signaling subsystems of the rail system in the European Union. The Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSIs) define the technical and operational standards which must be met by each subsystem or part of subsystem in order to meet the essential requirements and ensure the interoperability of the railway system of the European Union. The notified bodies (NoBos) are independent organisations responsible for assessing the conformity of interoperability constituents and subsystems regarding the requirements of the Technical Specification for Interoperability. The NoBos apply the procedure of CE verification of interoperability constituents and subsystems according to Directive (EU) 2016/797 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2016 on the interoperability of the rail system within the European Union. LEMA locomotive has all four of the CE certifications for railway vehicles, after the assessment of the following EU Regulations: - Regulation (EU) 1302/2014 of 18 November 2014 concerning a technical specification for interoperability relating to the “rolling stock – locomotives and passenger rolling stock” subsystem of the rail system in the European Union. - Regulation (EU) 1303/2014 of 18 November 2914 concerning the technical specification for interoperability relating to safety in railway tunnels” of the rail system of the European Union. - Regulation (EU) 1304/2014 of 26 November 2014 on the technical specification for interoperability relating to the subsystem “rolling stock – noise” amending Decision 2008/232/EC and repealing Decision 2011/229/EU.
- TransMontana 480-074 ready for delivery to Constantin Grup
Constantin Grup already receives Transmontana TM 074 from SOFTRONIC, the locomotive has recently successfully passed the static and track tests. Constantin Grup officially became SOFTRONIC's 11th customer in September 2022, when it signed a contract for the purchase of 2+2 TransMontana v3.1 locomotives. The first locomotive delivered and entered into commercial service for the operator Constantin Grup is TM 069 in January 2023. Thus, Constantin Grup now owns 2 new asynchronous locomotives produced in Softronic Craiova, 480-069 and 480-074 respectively.
- DB Cargo Romania purchases 3 TransMontana v 3.1 locomotives from Softronic Craiova
DB Cargo Romania purchases TransMontana locomotives 480-070, 480-072 and 480-073 from Softronic Craiova. DB Cargo thus reaches a fleet of 25 new locomotives purchased in approximately 10 years from Softronic Craiova.
- DB Cargo acquires 3 more TM locomotives | TM 069 delivered to CONSTANTIN GRUP
DB Cargo Romania (Deutsche Bahn Cargo Romania) acquires 3 more TransMontana locomotives at the beginning of 2023, thus reaching a total DB fleet of 26 new asynchronous locomotives produced in SOFTRONIC. CONSTANTIN GRUP officially became the 11'th SOFTRONIC customer in September 2022, when it signed a contract for the purchase of 2+2 TransMontana v3.1 locomotives. The first locomotive delivered and entered in commercial service last week is TM 069. In August 2022, a framework-contract was signed between LTE logistics & transport Austria and SOFTRONIC Craiova, Romania for the purchase of 5 TransMontana v3.2 locomotives. The 5 locomotives are part of the new version 3.2 which will also be equipped with ETCS provided by Thales Group. The SOFTRONIC factory rolled off the production line 10 TransMontana v3.1 locomotives in 2022. United Railways Bulgaria and CONSTANTIN GRUP became the 10'th and 11'th customers, respectively, to use locomotives produced in Craiova, Romania.