Vitaly Saenko17:08, 17.11.25
The purchase of French electric locomotives will strengthen transport in Ukraine.
French engineering company Alstom will sell 55 electric locomotives to Ukrzaliznytsia , Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced at a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron.
As reported by a UNIAN correspondent, the Ukrainian leader stated the following: “We are strengthening our logistics, we are strengthening our transport, and Ukraine. And today we have another very important agreement to purchase 55 new electric locomotives from France. This agreement is between our Ukrainian Railways and the French company Alstom.”
The head of state added that Ukraine is determined to continue developing this area with France.
Macron, in turn, announced that the corresponding contract for the supply of 55 locomotives is valued at €475 million. Financing will be provided by the EBRD and the World Bank. This contract is a concrete manifestation of the long-term economic and strategic partnership in support of Ukraine and its strengthening of its resilience.
Agreement with Alstom – details
According to a Ukrzaliznytsia Telegram post , the corresponding agreement with Alstom—for the supply of 55 modern freight locomotives—will modernize the extremely outdated fleet and maintain freight traffic volumes.
It is noted that the average age of the locomotive fleet is currently 46 years, with a wear rate of over 96%. Within two to three years, a traction shortage will prevent the company from transporting the required volumes of freight. This will significantly limit the opportunities for export industries. As a result, the company could lose up to 10% of its freight revenue annually.
“Market analysis by independent consultants confirmed that the price of Alstom’s high-power dual-system electric locomotives, calculated per axle and per kW, is competitive and advantageous. Grant funding further reduces the actual cost for UZ in this project by 37%. The total transaction value is €473 million,” the statement reads.
The first new electric locomotive will arrive in Ukraine as early as the first quarter of 2027. After that, it will undergo certification and necessary testing. Delivery of the entire batch will continue between 2027 and 2029.
It also stated that the 55 new electric locomotives will effectively replace approximately 80 older locomotives currently in operation, and will reduce operating costs by more than 30%.
The deal also includes service support and a necessary set of spare parts for a specified period. Active training for operators and maintenance crews will also be provided.
As explained in the statement, 37% of the project’s funding is a non-repayable grant of approximately €173 million from the World Bank’s URTF, with the remainder coming from a €300 million long-term, preferential loan from the EBRD.
(c)UNIAN 2025