ORLEN Kolej, the second-largest cargo rail operator in Poland, has signed a contract worth more than PLN 800 million for the delivery of 40 new locomotives. The order was awarded to two Polish manufacturers: PESA and Newag. Together, they will supply 40 modern locomotives to the ORLEN Group subsidiary, which will cover 5.5 million kilometres annually.
“We promised the biggest investment programme in our history — and we are delivering it. In the first three quarters of 2025 alone, we spent PLN 21 billion on investments, the highest ever. Today we are adding another billion. This is a record order. We are purchasing 40 locomotives from two Polish manufacturers. For us, cooperation with Polish companies extends far beyond offshore wind — it spans every area of our business. This purchase will not only expand ORLEN Kolej’s capabilities but will also accelerate Poland’s economic development,”
said Ireneusz Fąfara, President of the ORLEN Management Board.
The ordered locomotives will be delivered between 2027 and 2028. The factories producing them employ more than 5,500 people. The contracts cover the procurement of:
- 20 PESA 304E Gama locomotives
- 20 Newag E6ACTadnb Dragon 2 locomotives
Both models are advanced, high-tech units equipped with 5.6 MW and 5 MW engines respectively, consuming roughly 30% less energy than older locomotive types per tonne of transported cargo. This translates into real cost savings for the company and significant environmental benefits.
The locomotives are also equipped with last-mile modules, enabling operation on non-electrified sections of track, which will improve operational flexibility and independence. They feature modern safety systems, advanced onboard diagnostics, and solutions that enhance crew comfort and safety.
“We are extremely pleased to continue our cooperation with ORLEN Kolej, which has long prioritised modern, reliable and cost-efficient solutions. We previously carried out diesel locomotive upgrades for the operator, and today’s contract confirms the trust placed in us by one of Poland’s key freight players. The Dragon 2 locomotives, to be delivered in 2028 and equipped with last-mile modules, will significantly improve ORLEN Kolej’s operational efficiency and support its continued development,”
said Zbigniew Konieczek, CEO of NEWAG S.A.
The new locomotives will be capable of transporting 7.2 million tonnes of products annually, travelling 5.5 million kilometres a year.
“The signing of this agreement reaffirms ORLEN’s consistent trust in our solutions. The Gama 3.0 locomotive marks a new chapter in PESA’s history — combining experience with innovation and setting the direction for the future of rail transport in Poland and Europe. We are proud that ORLEN Kolej once again chooses our technologies as we work together to build a more efficient and environmentally friendly railway,”
added Krzysztof Zdziarski, CEO of PESA Bydgoszcz.
The procurement contracts exceed PLN 800 million in total. The project is financed through an operating lease provided by PKO Leasing.
“This transaction is exceptional for many reasons — for PKO Leasing, for the entire leasing sector, and for the Polish economy. We are proud of the record value of the financing. There have been no deals of this scale on the Polish market to date. It is a source of satisfaction and a testament to our capabilities. We are pleased with the trust of such a prominent partner as ORLEN Kolej and with our participation in a project from a sector that is strategically important for Poland. A contract worth over PLN 800 million shows that the leasing sector should be recognised as a key source of financing for large-scale projects,”
said Tomasz Bogus, CEO of PKO Leasing.
The order is part of ORLEN Group’s response to growing logistics needs and a key element of the rail fleet modernisation programme. Under this programme, modern electric multiple units compliant with the latest safety systems (GSM-R, ETCS) will systematically replace diesel stock. The new units will be used mainly on the domestic market.
The upgraded fleet will enable ORLEN Kolej to handle transport needs entirely using its own rolling stock, significantly reducing operational costs related to locomotive rentals.
“We are proud that in this procurement process — open to all manufacturers and suppliers, not only Polish ones — it was Polish companies that submitted winning bids, offering modern rolling stock that meets all our expectations and needs. The purchase of new electric locomotives with diesel modules will significantly improve ORLEN Kolej’s operational efficiency in handling the transport tasks resulting from the ORLEN Group’s dynamic growth. We are focused on implementing innovative solutions that increase reliability, enhance safety, and allow us to operate independently. This is a crucial step toward building a strong, modern rail company ready to compete on the market,”
said Krzysztof Duszczyk, President of ORLEN Kolej.
ORLEN Kolej is the second-largest rail freight carrier in Poland. The company specialises in transporting fuel and petrochemical products, providing comprehensive logistics services domestically and internationally for both the ORLEN Group and external clients. ORLEN Kolej operates independently in Poland and Germany and, together with partners, carries out freight transport across Europe.
Source: ceo.com.pl
