Siemens Vectrons take over in Denmark

DANISH state railways DSB has now introduced over 25 of the 42 Siemens-built 6.4MW, 200km/h, ‘Vectron’ electric locos on order.

Most members of the fleet are designed for domestic work in Denmark under 25kV AC electrification, although they are also equipped for operation in neighbouring countries; initially Germany but possibly later in Sweden, under 15kV AC catenary.

The first locos have been used to allow withdrawal of most remaining Class ME CoCo diesels working regional services from Copenhagen – all of the

MEs are expected to lose passenger work from December. Designated Class EB by DSB, the new locos are being maintained by Siemens at a new depot in Naestved.

DSB also has eight, 492seat, trains on order being built by Talgo in Spain. These will be hauled by the new Vectrons and replace DMUs operating services between Copenhagen and Hamburg from 2023.

From 2028/2029 these services will use the new Fehmarnbelt Link tunnel which is currently being built connecting Denmark and Germany under the Baltic Sea.

SHAUN WALLACE New DSB Vectron EB 3216 at Høje Taastrup in the suburbs of Copenhagen with train Re74149, the 13.22 to Ringsted on August 30, 2021. During the summer period eight Vectron locos were in weekday use between Copenhagen and Ringsted /Helsingør.