The order forms part of an $A 594m ($US 446m) agreement for the supply of new locomotives and long-term maintenance contacts for part of the PN locomotive fleet.
UGL has been developing a narrow-gauge Australian variant of GE's PowerHaul model since 2013, but with a depressed market for new orders this will be the first use of the PowerHaul family in Australia. PN's locomotives are earmarked for freight operations in Queensland.
The six-axle ac traction PH37 is built around GE's 16-valve series P616 prime mover, which provides nominal output of 2.75MW and continuous tractive effort of 460kN.
In addition to the three PH37 locomotives, UGL will also supply PN with three new standard-gauge C44ACi locomotives to expand the existing 93 class fleet.
UGL already provides maintenance services to PN for a significant proportion of their locomotive fleet and in addition to the new locomotive orders has entered into several long term maintenance contracts, including
- renewal of the agreement for maintenance of the 71 class Siemens narrow-gauge electric locomotives in Queensland for a period of 10 years to June 2026
- extension of the existing maintenance contract for standard gauge 92/93 and NR class locomotives operating interstate services and in the Hunter Valley, to June 2026, and
- a new contract to maintain the EMD locomotive fleet operating in Victoria until June 2026.
