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MAGPIE Hybrid Shunting Locomotive demo

Hybrid shunting locomotives use battery-electric propulsion to enable zero-emission rail operations in ports without dedicated charging infrastructure. Demo 8 of the MAGPIE project.

Electrification

Introduction

The Hybrid Shunting Locomotive is a battery-electric alternative to conventional diesel-powered locomotives used for shunting in ports and medium-distance rail operations. As ports seek to decarbonize their logistics chains, this solution offers a promising pathway to reduce emissions, noise, and operational costs while enhancing rail efficiency, where no locomotive change from E-loc to D-loc on medium distances is required. In the last mile infrastructure in ports there is no overhead power line available. There the locomotive is powered by its battery pack. Where there is a power overhead line, the locomotive charges while driving with the power from the overhead lines, eliminating the need for dedicated charging infrastructure. A prototype is currently under development, with type approval to follow after demonstration and testing. By replacing diesel locomotives with electric alternatives, ports can reduce their environmental footprint and align with broader sustainability goals. This factsheet outlines the value proposition, applicability, technical solution, and implementation roadmap for hybrid shunting locomotives in port environments.

Value proposition

  • The hybrid locomotive offers a green alternative to diesel-operated shunting locomotives.

  • It enables emission reductions and operational cost savings by using electricity instead of diesel, contributing to the decarbonization of port rail operations.

Problem: Authorization and rail access approvals are lengthy and complex, often taking years. These include safety and infrastructure compatibility assessments.

Port applicability

• Large Container Ports/Hub Ports: Highly applicable where shunting operations are frequent and electrified infrastructure is available. • Industrial Ports: Applicable where rail freight and shunting are part of logistics operations. • Smaller/Regional Ports: Potentially applicable if rail infrastructure exists and modernization is planned. • Other: Relevant for any port with rail access and a need to reduce diesel use in short-distance locomotive operations.

Detailed description of the solution

  • Battery Locomotive

    A hybrid locomotive equipped with batteries that can be charged via existing overhead power lines, enabling emission-free shunting operations.

  • Charging System

    Utilizes standard railway electrification infrastructure for battery charging, reducing the need for new charging installations.

  • Safety and Compatibility

    Requires type approval and compliance with national rail safety and infrastructure standards.

  • Operational Use

    Designed for medium-distance transportation and shunting operations within ports.

  • Prototype Development

    A prototype is under construction, with demonstrations planned to support approval and future deployment.

  • Scalability

    Design is currently specific for the Netherlands and Germany; adaptation may be needed for other regions depending on electrification, signaling systems and battery sizing.

Impact

Impact level per aspect
ImpactLevelRemark
Energy efficiencyMedium impact
Electricity is cheaper than diesel and reduces energy costs
GHG emissionsMedium impact
Diesel is replaced by electricity, reducing CO2 emissions
Pollutant emissionsMedium impact
Lower emissions improve air quality in port areas
Port cityMedium impact
Supports cleaner operations and reduces environmental impact

Port characteristics

• Need: Electrified infrastructure and shunting operations • Affects: Infrastructure compatibility, safety approvals, and operational planning

Barriers and enablers

Enablers

  • Non-technologicalEnabler

    Opportunity to replace a large number of locomotives in the near future. In addition to shunting in the port, the locomotive can also be deployed for regular transport within the Netherlands and Germany, for example to Venlo or Duisburg. This eliminates the need for a locomotive change from an electric locomotive to a diesel locomotive in the port, improving efficiency and reducing downtime.

  • TechnologyEnabler

    Charging via existing overhead lines and battery-electric propulsion

Barriers

  • Non-technologicalBarrier

    Lengthy authorization processes and regulatory approvals

  • TechnologyBarrier

    Design is specific to the Netherlands and Germany; adaptation may be needed elsewhere

How to implement?

  1. Step 1

    Prototype development

  2. Step 2

    Demonstration

  3. Step 3

    Type approval

  4. Step 4

    Gradual deployment

Implementation interdependencies

Requires coordination with infrastructure managers, safety authorities, and rail operators

Required involved stakeholders

  • Port authority

    Supports infrastructure planning and regulatory coordination

  • Terminal operators

    Coordinate rail operations and shunting logistics

  • Fuel suppliers/distributors

    May be affected by reduced diesel demand

  • Technology providers

    Develop and supply hybrid locomotives

  • Engineering and construction firms

    Support infrastructure compatibility and deployment

  • Classification societies

    Oversee safety and type approval

  • National and international regulators

    Approve rail access and safety compliance

  • Financial institutions/investors

    Fund prototype development and fleet replacement

  • Research and development institutions

    Support testing and optimization

  • Workforce representatives/unions

    May be involved in training and operational transition

Knowledge base and references