Polish rail manufacturer PESA, in partnership with Swedish companies Hankavik and Vate Rail, has wrapped up a ten-day Hydrogen Roadshow across Sweden aimed at showcasing its SM42-6Dn hydrogen shunting locomotive. The event included technical demonstrations, trial runs, and live presentations in key industrial and port locations, as well as a debut appearance at the region’s premier rail trade event.
The locomotive, manufactured in Bydgoszcz, Poland, made its journey across the Baltic Sea via the Polonia ferry from Świnoujście to Ystad before continuing by rail to Stockholm and other Swedish cities. The initiative marks a major step in PESA’s strategy to expand into the Scandinavian market.
“The SwedenH2 Roadshow is the next stage of our cooperation with the Swedish companies Hankavik and Vate Rail, with whom we signed an agreement at InnoTrans in Berlin,” said Maciej Grześkowiak, director of strategic projects at PESA. “The interest in our hydrogen locomotive here is really high.”
The roadshow included test runs and presentations at sidings and terminals operated by Swedish steelmaker SSAB in Oxelösund and Borlänge, as well as port facilities in Gothenburg, Malmö, Trelleborg, and Ystad. Demonstrations focused on the locomotive’s performance under industrial conditions, including hauling loads between 950 and 1,500 tonnes.
“We are really satisfied with the results of the first tests,” said Filip Forslund, group CEO at VÄTE Bolagen AB. “During trials with large loads, the PESA locomotive had no trouble even on routes with gradients of 15 per mile.”
As part of the roadshow, PESA also took part in the Train&Rail trade fair in Stockholm from May 6th to 8th. The company’s hydrogen locomotive was featured in live demonstrations at the Arsta terminal, drawing strong interest from industry professionals and operators.
“This was PESA’s first participation in the Train&Rail fair, but we want to become a regular here,” said Jan Bończyk, director of sales for foreign railway markets at PESA. “The Swedish railway sector is highly organized and quick to adopt new trends, especially in areas like decarbonization and high-speed rail. It’s a very promising market for us.”
Sweden plans to introduce its first hydrogen-powered shunting locomotives by 2028, a timeline that aligns well with PESA’s ambitions. Alongside its existing model, the company has announced development work on a new hydrogen locomotive and a dual-powered passenger vehicle using both electric traction and hydrogen fuel cells.
To support its expansion, PESA has launched its largest investment programme to date, including new automation technologies, laser welding capabilities, and expanded production and storage halls at its Bydgoszcz site. These upgrades are expected to significantly boost manufacturing capacity and support the company’s growing international portfolio.