Environmental measures

DB Cargo is making a significant contribution to shifting traffic to the rails, and thus to the achievement of German and European climate protection targets.

• Dual-mode locomotive: In spring 2024, the first dual-mode locomotive No. 57 was delivered to DB Cargo: the Siemens Vectron Dual Mode light. By the end of 2024, there were 32. Dual-mode locomotives have great advantages in daily use compared to the diesel locomotives previously used and should make DB Cargo more efficient and productive in the future. On electrified track sections they run purely electrically, on sections without overhead wires they can switch to diesel drive without changing locomotives. This saves time-consuming repositioning and switching and renders them flexible to use in rail freight transport. Single wagon traffic will, above all, benefit from this and is to be rendered faster and more efficient. For example, dual-mode locomotives can be used on long-distance lines with only partially electrified sections or when collecting freight wagons in factory premises from industrial customers. Equipped with digital technologies such as switching by remote control and the ETCS train control system, they are prepared for the rail freight transport of the future.
• HVO biofuel: With the conversion of further rail filling stations in Germany to HVO No. 164, we were able to significantly expand our HVO procurement in 2024 and increase the HVO share of the total fuel volume for re­fueling our locomotives to about 33% (previous year: about 19%). More than 12 million liters of diesel were substituted in 2024. DB Cargo’s entire European diesel locomotive fleet (about 1,300 multiple units) has been approved for HVO since the end of 2023. We are currently working on establishing supplier structures for HVO in other European countries. Our locomotives in the UK have been running on HVO for selected customers since the second half of 2024.
• Driver assistance system LEADER: In 2024, five diesel main line locomotives were equipped with LEADER driver assistance system for test purposes. By way of the LEADER No. 8, multiple unit drivers are to be supported via an additional display with driving recommendations for the most energy-efficient journeys. As a result of this system extension for diesel main line locomotives, the diesel fuel consumption is expected to be reduced by 3 to 4%. In 2024, the LEADER driving assistance system, which is already installed on more than 650 electric locomotives (equivalent to about two-thirds of the electric locomotive fleet), achieved an average energy saving of about 12% (equivalent to about 42 GWh).
• Energy management system: The introduction of an energy management system in accordance with the inter­nationally recognized DIN EN ISO 50001 was decided at DB Cargo AG in 2024. The corresponding certification of the ISO management system is planned for 2025. Building on the previous energy audits in accordance with DIN EN 16247, this is aimed at supporting the targeted control of energy consumption and increasing energy efficiency in addition to compliance with legal requirements.