© Alpha Trains/Rolls-Royce
- Passenger News
- 30. April 2026
- Press Release | Alpha Trains
Alpha Trains and Rolls-Royce strengthen strategic partnership
Framework Agreement signed for mtu PowerPack Overhauls
Cologne, 29 April 2026 - Alpha Trains, Europe’s leading private lessor of locomotives and trains, and Rolls‑Royce Power Systems have signed a long‑term framework agreement for the overhaul of mtu PowerPacks. It covers the entire operational life of Alpha Trains’ diesel multiple units, all of which are powered by mtu PowerPacks from Rolls‑Royce. It lays the foundation for a sustainable, long‑term strategic partnership focused on maximizing availability, ensuring planning reliability, and supporting efficient rail operations.
mtu PowerPacks integrate the engine, power transmission and all essential auxiliary systems – including cooling and exhaust aftertreatment – into a compact, modular unit. As the central propulsion system of diesel multiple units, they are essential for reliable day‑to‑day operations. High‑quality overhauls ensure consistently high technical availability, thereby making a significant contribution to smooth, dependable rail services for passengers.
Optimised maintenance and long‑term planning reliability
By bundling the overhaul of its entire diesel fleet, which is operated by various rail companies, under a single long‑term framework agreement with an expanded scope of services, Alpha Trains and Rolls‑Royce are establishing a robust foundation for maintenance planning and fleet reliability. This partnership allows Alpha Trains to offer customers even more comprehensive and attractive leasing solutions. Moving forward, mtu PowerPack overhauls will be integrated into the company’s service-oriented leasing structures to ensure maximum fleet availability.
The agreement aims to align maintenance processes more closely with Alpha Trains′ and its customers′ requirements. A key element of this collaboration is the joint development of technical solutions to identify and prevent potential obsolescence at an early stage. Components will be made available in the long term, and this will be planned proactively.
Additionally, Rolls-Royce will be responsible for developing and delivering maintenance services for the PowerPacks, further strengthening the high standard of maintenance through the expertise of its service engineers. The agreement is a holistic partnership-based framework, with comprehensive provisions covering scheduling, warranty, spare parts supply, training for operator workshops and cost development over the entire contract term Alpha Trains’ customers will benefit from this reliable, transparent structure in the long term.
Another key element of the agreement is the option to operate all mtu PowerPacks of the 1800 series manufactured from 2006 onwards using HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil). This synthetic fuel, which is produced from waste and residual materials such as used cooking oils and animal by-products, can reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 90 per cent compared with conventional diesel fuel.
By signing this framework agreement, Alpha Trains and Rolls‑Royce are marking an important milestone in their collaboration, while also contributing to the development of a more efficient and sustainable rail transport system.
Jörg Hagemeyer, Engineering Director of the Passenger division at Alpha Trains, commented: “With this framework agreement, we are sending a clear signal about the quality and high availability of our diesel multiple units. Together with Rolls‑Royce, we are creating a comprehensive, worry‑free package for our customers and operators. We are enhancing the attractiveness of our fleet and ensuring that the propulsion systems of our diesel railcars remain efficient and reliable throughout their entire service life.”
Andreas Görtz, President of the Mobile & Sustainable business unit at Rolls‑Royce Power Systems, added: “Being a long‑term and reliable industrial partner for Alpha Trains is extremely important to us. Through our investments in service engineering and the introduction of EU maintenance certifications ECM 2 and ECM 4, Alpha Trains and its customers will benefit from the highest quality standards, high availability and efficient railway operations.”
About Alpha Trains
Alpha Trains is the leading private rolling stock lessor in Continental Europe. A total of 150 employees from 20 countries work in offices in Luxembourg, Antwerp, Cologne, Madrid, Paris and Warsaw. Alpha Trains owns more than 1,000 locomotives and passenger trains and offers tailor-made leasing solutions, comprehensive know-how in maintenance and vehicle repairs as well as long-term experience in the financing of new-build projects. Alpha Trains’ fleets are in use at many public and private operators in 22 European countries. Alpha Trains′ shareholders are APG, Arcus European Trains, PGGM and Swiss Life.
Contact Alpha Trains Group
Heike Zimmermann, Group Head of PR & Marketing
Telefon: +49 221 9140 9063
[email protected]