MRS Logistics, Brazil, has awarded Wabtec a contract worth around Reais 500m ($US 101.5m) for 30 new Evolution series diesel-electric locomotives. Delivery is scheduled to start later this year.
Launched in 2022, the ES44ACi model is equipped with Evolution series diesel engines, which have an output of 3.3MW with 12 cylinders. The electronically-controlled four-stroke engine is fitted with turbochargers designed to improve energy efficiency and lower emissions due to thermal combustion efficiency combined with a double intake air cooling system.
According to Mr Guilherme Segalla de Mello, president of MRS Logistics, renewing the fleet is crucial for the company to improve rail freight efficiency and safety.
The ES44ACi provides an emissions reduction of around 5% compared with its predecessor, the AC4400. The high-strength materials used in production also significantly increase maintenance intervals by around 28%, reducing operating costs throughout the locomotive’s life cycle, MRS says.
MRS operates a 1643km rail network in the states of Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, a region which generates around half of Brazil's GDP.
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