Record-breaking transaction: ORLEN signs contract for 40 Polish locomotives
ORLEN Kolej, Poland’s second-largest rail freight operator, has signed a contract worth more than PLN 800 million for the delivery of 40 new locomotives. The order was awarded to Polish manufacturers PESA and Newag, which will jointly supply the ORLEN Group’s rail company with 40 modern locomotives expected to cover 5.5 million kilometres annually.
“We promised the largest investment programme in our history – and we are delivering it. In the first nine months of 2025, we recorded the highest capital expenditure in the Group’s history at PLN 21 billion. Today we are adding another billion with this record order. We are purchasing 40 locomotives from two Polish manufacturers because working with domestic companies is integral to every part of our business, not only offshore wind. The purchase will strengthen ORLEN Kolej’s capabilities and further support Poland’s economic growth,’ said Ireneusz Fąfara, President of the PKN ORLEN Management Board.
The locomotives ordered by ORLEN Kolej will be delivered between 2027 and 2028. More than 5,500 people work at the production facilities where they will be built. Under the contracts, ORLEN Kolej will receive:
- 20 304E Gama locomotives from PESA
- 20 E6ACTadnb Dragon 2 locomotives from Newag.
Both models are advanced units equipped with engines rated at 5.6 MW and 5 MW respectively. They consume around 30% less energy than older locomotive types when measured per tonne of transported freight – delivering tangible savings for the company and clear environmental benefits.
The locomotives are also equipped with ‘last mile’ modules, enabling operation on non-electrified sections and increasing the company’s operational flexibility and independence. They feature modern safety systems, advanced onboard diagnostics, and solutions that enhance crew comfort and safety.
‘We are very pleased to continue our cooperation with ORLEN Kolej, which for years has prioritised modern, reliable and efficient solutions. We have previously carried out diesel locomotive upgrades for the carrier, and today’s contract confirms the trust placed in us by one of the key players in the freight market. The Dragon 2 locomotives to be delivered in 2028, equipped with ‘last mile’ modules, will significantly enhance ORLEN Kolej’s operational efficiency and support its further growth,’ said Zbigniew Konieczek, President of the Management Board of NEWAG S.A.
The new locomotives will be able to transport 7.2 million tonnes of products a year, covering 5.5 million kilometres.
“Signing the contract confirms ORLEN’s consistent trust in our solutions. Gama 3.0 is a locomotive that opens a new chapter in PESA’s history – combining experience with innovation and setting the direction for the development of rail transport in Poland and across Europe. We are pleased that ORLEN Kolej has once again selected our technologies, allowing us to jointly advance a more efficient and environmentally friendly railway,” stressed Krzysztof Zdziarski, President of the Management Board of PESA Bydgoszcz.
The contracts for the new rolling stock have a total value of more than PLN 800 million. The project is financed through an operating lease provided by PKO Leasing.
“This transaction is exceptional on many levels – for PKO Leasing, for the leasing sector and for the Polish economy. We are proud of the record value of the financing – a deal of this scale has not been seen on the Polish market before. It is a source of great pride and a strong confirmation of our capabilities. We also value the trust of such a reputable partner as ORLEN Kolej and are pleased to support a project of strategic importance for the national rail sector. A contract exceeding PLN 800 million shows that the leasing industry should be recognised as a key source of financing for large-scale projects,” said Tomasz Bogus, President of the Management Board of PKO Leasing.
The order addresses the ORLEN Group’s growing logistics needs and is a key element of its rail infrastructure modernisation programme. Under the programme, modern electric locomotives meeting the latest safety standards (GSM-R, ETCS) will gradually replace diesel units. The new rolling stock will be used primarily on the domestic market. It will give ORLEN Kolej full capability to handle transport operations using its own fleet, significantly reducing operating costs associated with leasing locomotives.
“We are proud that in a procurement process open to all manufacturers and suppliers – not only those from Poland – it was Polish companies that submitted the strongest offers, providing modern rolling stock that meets all our expectations and operational needs. The purchase of new electric locomotives with diesel modules will significantly improve the handling of ORLEN Group’s freight operations, reflecting the Group’s dynamic growth. We remain focused on implementing innovative solutions that enhance transport reliability, increase safety and enable us to operate independently. This marks an important step towards creating a strong, modern rail company equipped to successfully compete in the market,” said Krzysztof Duszczyk, President of the Management Board of ORLEN Kolej.
ORLEN Kolej is the second-largest rail freight operator in Poland. The company specialises in transporting fuel and petrochemical products, providing comprehensive logistics services in Poland and abroad for both the ORLEN Group and external customers. ORLEN Kolej operates independently in Poland and Germany, and through partnerships delivers freight services across Europe.
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