AUSTRALIAN freight operator Pacific National has awarded locomotive manufacturer and maintenance provider UGL, a subsidiary of Cimic, a contract to design, manufacture and supply 50 new fuel-efficient diesel-electric locomotives. The contract is worth $A 297m ($US 216m) over seven years, with the first locomotives to be delivered in late 2023.
UGL says the C44 Evolution locomotives will be the most technologically advanced, fuel efficient, and environmentally friendly diesel-electric locomotives in Australia and will be designed and manufactured in Newcastle, New South Wales.
“Pacific National has a strong focus on improving the efficiency of its locomotives and its environmental performance,” says Cimic group executive chairman and CEO, Mr Juan Santamaria. “We’re pleased to support this strategy by delivering locomotives that lower emissions and operating costs, with improved productivity, reliability and availability.”
“UGL’s unique position as Australia’s only manufacturer and maintainer of Australian-made locomotives allows us to ensure a strong home-grown supply chain and ongoing local employment,” says UGL managing director, Mr Doug Moss. “The C44 Evolution locomotive is better for the environment with lower emissions and better fuel efficiency than anything Australia has seen before. We look forward to continuing our strong relationship with Pacific National through the delivery of these locomotives.”
The locomotives will be equipped with an Wabtec Evolution Series 3355kW engine, control system and digital solutions designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Wabtec says the Evolution Series engine will improve fuel efficiency by more than 5% compared to locomotives fitted with FDL engines.
Pacific National will initially deploy the new freight locomotives across its intermodal and interstate operations, supporting its planned capacity increase of 25% over the next four years. The new locomotives will also operate on the future Inland Rail line.
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