GE is supplying 21 of the six-axle 3.28MW ES44Aci Evolution Series locomotives for the 344km single-track line, which is expected to carry 55mtpa of processed iron-ore from the new Roy Hill mine to a dedicated port facility located south of Port Hedland. The Roy Hill railway plans to run five trains per day, each formed of three locomotives and 232 wagons and with a payload of 32,109 tonnes of ore.
The locomotives are being built at GE's plant in Erie, Pennsylvania, and 14 of the 21 units have already arrived at Port Hedland. Construction is now 76% complete on the mine and rail project and the first consignment of ore is due to be shipped in September.
