In 2018, Softronic Craiova marked a milestone in the Romanian railway industry by delivering the first two Transmontana electric locomotives to Sweden’s national freight operator, Green Cargo. This partnership not only garnered international recognition of Softronic’s product quality but also marked the beginning of a long-term collaboration between the two companies, built on trust, performance, and reliability.

After seven years of continuous operation in extreme weather conditions and on demanding routes within the Swedish rail network, the two locomotives have returned to Craiova to undergo their first major overhaul since entering service. This is a crucial stage in the lifecycle of a modern electric locomotive and yet another testament to our commitment to comprehensive maintenance and long-term technical support.

Transmontana – Romanian performance in Northern Europe

The Transmontana models delivered in 2018 to Green Cargo were customized to meet the specific requirements of the Swedish railway system. These adaptations included compatible signaling and safety systems, as well as technical features optimized for low temperatures, heavy snowfall, and high freight loads. With 6,000 kW of power, superior traction through the Co’Co’ wheel arrangement, and high energy efficiency, the Transmontana quickly proved to be a reliable solution for Green Cargo in operating heavy freight trains.

Since their delivery, the two locomotives have travelled hundreds of thousands of kilometers in commercial service, contributing to Green Cargo’s mission of promoting sustainable and energy-efficient rail freight. Now, after a full operational cycle, they are back where they were built for a complete general overhaul, preparing them for a new chapter in their service life.

What does a general overhaul of a Transmontana locomotive involve?

Maintenance is a complex process carried out approximately every 6–8 years, depending on usage, and involves a detailed inspection and refurbishment of all essential components. For the two locomotives returning from Sweden, the overhaul will include:

  • Complete inspection and refurbishment of the electrical and traction systems, including converter testing, control systems, and electric braking
  • Repair and recalibration of bogies, ensuring maximum safety and stability
  • Replacement of axles with brand-new components, in compliance with international safety standards
  • Replacement of worn parts, upgrading specific systems, and updating control software
  • Structural checks, including bodywork, insulation, and mechanical integrity

All these procedures are carried out at the Softronic maintenance division in Craiova, where skilled technical teams and state-of-the-art equipment ensure that the locomotives are restored to peak performance levels.

Full-service maintenance

The overhaul is part of a broader maintenance service package that Softronic offers to all its clients, regardless of where the locomotives are operated. At Softronic, we don’t just deliver locomotives – we provide a long-term partnership built on reliability, technical assistance, and ongoing support.

More details about our maintenance services are available on our website: https://www.softronic.ro/mentenanta

A new life for two landmark locomotives

The return of these two Transmontana locomotives from Sweden is not only a technical milestone but also a symbolic moment. They represent the beginning of Softronic’s international expansion, and a clear demonstration that products built in Craiova meet the highest standards of the most demanding European markets.

Following the general overhaul, the locomotives will be once again ready to support Green Cargo’s mission of safe, sustainable, and efficient freight transportation.

With this, Softronic reaffirms its role as a trusted partner for railway operators across Europe, not only through cutting-edge locomotive technology, but also by delivering top-tier post-sale service and support.