Akiem Steals the Show at TRAKO 2025 with Dragon-2 Locomotive

Akiem has taken part in TRAKO 2025 in Polish Gdańsk, presenting its Polish market vision through the Dragon-2 locomotive built by Newag.

Akiem, the European leader in locomotive and passenger train leasing, is participating in the TRAKO international rail exhibition in Gdańsk, Poland, where it has presented its vision of the Polish market and its local commitment, illustrated by the showcase of the Dragon-2 locomotive, designed and manufactured by the Polish company Newag.

Having history of previous participation in TRAKO fairs, this year, Akiem aimed to showcase, through its local subsidiary, its technical expertise, investment capacity, and commitment to sustainable rail transport. According to Anna Puchalowicz, "the Polish rail market is distinguished by its fragmentation and dynamism." She added that Akiem "respond to this with a flexible offering, adapted to complex calls for tenders and the varied needs of operators. The growing demand for modern, reliable, and environmentally friendly locomotives confirms the relevance of our investments."

A Fleet of Single- and Multi-System Locomotives, Meeting the Needs of Polish Operators

Akiem offered Polish freight operators a wide range of BoBo locomotives, in DC and MS versions, such as the Traxx, Vectron, and Eurosprinter, capable of meeting specific transport and traction needs. Demand has shifted towards more modern, reliable, safe, and environmentally friendly rolling stock, which the recent acquisition of Dragon-2 platforms from Polish manufacturer Newag has met, fully in line with Akiem’s strategic commitment to promoting a European rail market and fostering modal shift.

The Dragon-2: A Locomotive Designed for Heavy Freight and Interoperability

In November 2023, Akiem ordered 30 Dragon-2 locomotives—with an option for 50 additional units—including 10 multi-system locomotives approved for operation in Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia, and 20 DC locomotives equipped with "last mile" modules, intended for operation in Poland and for cross-border access to stations in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

According to Anna Puchalowicz, the Dragon-2 platform presents the latest generation of freight locomotives, renowned for its tractive power and reliability. It also holds the tractive effort record on the Velim circuit. Designed to ensure sustainable transport with energy efficiency, the platform meets the requirements of the technical specifications for interoperability.

Akiem reports that its versatility, including its multi-system capabilities and its last-mile module that meet Stage V emission standards and are equipped with HVO-compatible engines, guaranteeing seamless operations across different railway network.

"It guarantees seamless operations on different railway networks, allowing us to offer operators greater carrying capacity and greater efficiency: they will be able to develop new rail freight services, with heavier trains running at higher speeds, including for access to mining and industrial sites located in the Silesian Mountains and with the highest standards of reliability and safety. And the 0.5 MW HVO-compatible last-mile modules will accelerate the transition from diesel to greener electric traction when operating on non-electrified industrial sites," says Puchalowicz.

A Special Livery, a Marker of the Dragon-2’s Power

Displayed at Track B09, the Dragon-2 LM version featured a special livery depicting a journey through Poland, with stylised representations of the country’s iconic monuments. At its centre, the Moc która napędza przyszłość Polskiej kolei slogan ("The power that drives the future of Polish railways"), is set against the Polish flag. The locomotive has been available for visits by appointment with the Akiem team, located at booth C58.