KiwiRail has signed an agreement with Stadler to supply 57 diesel mainline locomotives worth approximately 228 million euros. The order is part of a broader framework agreement and is the Swiss manufacturer’s first order in New Zealand.

The Co-Co monocoque 1067mm gauge locomotive will be manufactured at Stadler’s factory in Valencia, Spain, and will be customized to meet KiwiRail’s requirements and specific operating plans. These locomotives will be used primarily for freight and passenger rail operations on the South Island Network between early 2024 and 2026, which has challenging track terrain. KiwiRail stated that the procurement process "attracted the world's four largest locomotive manufacturers." The locomotive will comply with the latest European Phase V emission standards, thereby reducing nitrogen oxide emissions by 25%, particulate matter emissions by 30%, and optimizing combustion, reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The two-carriage narrow-body locomotive will be equipped with a diesel engine that provides 3MW of power, enabling KiwiRail to tow trains with fewer locomotives. Each of the two cabs will work closely with KiwiRail and be designed according to the latest European standards, aiming to provide KiwiRail engineers with an ergonomic, comfortable and safe working environment.

The locomotive will be equipped with an automatic engine start-stop (AESS) system, which can shut down the engine when the locomotive is idling to save fuel; driver energy saving and consulting systems to support the locomotive and driver to achieve the best energy performance; and to manage asset fatigue and energy High-performance train handling system. The new remote diagnosis system will also provide KiwiRail with real-time fleet location, speed, fuel tank status and battery main switch status; mileage and energy consumption summary; fault records; and locomotive status.

"Currently, we have a 65-person South Island locomotive fleet with an average age of 47." said Mr. Greg Miller, CEO of KiwiRail Group. "Our machines have been used for an average of 17 years, exceeding their economic life. In fact, some of our machines are closer to 60 instead of 50, which means that reliability is a real problem. Some of our machines are in their life cycle. Three complete reconstructions were carried out in the interior, and the cost was high. We still use the technology of the 1970s in these reconstructions." "The dual-cab locomotive built for us by Stadler Rail is the most advanced. The on-board diagnostic system will provide us with the locomotive. Real-time information on health conditions and enables us to predict when failures may occur, thereby improving the overall reliability of the fleet. This is a major advancement compared to the 1970s technology we used in the South Island fleet." Keywords : International engineering news, foreign engineering project information

Dr. Ansgar Brockmeyer, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Sales and Deputy CEO of Stadler, said: “We are very proud to have signed our first contract with New Zealand and are fully committed to establishing a long-term partnership with KiwiRail.” “With our extensive modularity With customized vehicle solutions, green traction concepts, digital solutions and tailor-made expert support services, we do see opportunities to provide more value to KiwiRail and New Zealand Transport after the delivery of the first project."Editor/Baohongying