The locomotive, which was manufactured by the Alstom/Transmashholding (TMH) joint venture EKZ, arrived in Bilajary, Azerbaijan, after being shipped from Astana, Kazakhstan, on December 7. Alstom will now conduct validation tests on the Azerbaijani railway’s infrastructure during the next few months.

The eight-axle 8.8MW Prima T8 delivered to ADY is a two-section freight locomotive capable of hauling up to 9000 tonnes with an operating speed of 120km/h. Alstom says the AZ8A is designed to operate in temperatures ranging from -25°C to 50°C, and requires minimum maintenance and provides high reliability levels and low lifecycle costs thanks to its modular design.

The AZ8A is based on the KZ8A locomotives currently in service in Kazakhstan, modified for ADY’s specific technical requirements.

In May 2014 ADY awarded Alstom a €288m contract to supply 50 double-unit electric freight locomotives, but the order was amended to 40 freight locomotives and 10 passenger units the following year.

“We are delighted to continue as a strategic partner of ADY and to deliver the first freight locomotive to Azerbaijan that will help satisfy the increasing need for freight transportation in the country,” said Mr Bernard Peille, Alstom managing director for Western and Central Asia.

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