The contract includes Tier 4 and Tier 3 certified to Tier 4 locomotives which will be equipped with GE’s GoLinc platform, trip optimiser system and LocoTrol Expanded Architecture for distributed power. The three systems are part of GE’s train performance suite designed to optimise distributed power, train handling, brake control and fuel consumption.

Production of the locomotives will begin in 2018 at GE’s plant in Fort Worth, Texas, and the first unit will be ready later in 2018 with delivery completed in 2020.

“We are bullish on the North American economy and on our ability to compete and win new business with our superior service model,” says Mr Luc Jobin, CN’s president and CEO.