South African rail operator Transnet has completed construction of 95 Class 20E electric locomotives in partnership with China’s CSR.
President Jacob Zuma was at Transnet’s factory in Koedoespoort, Pretoria, to celebrate the completion of the final unit.
In 2012, Transnet signed a contract with CSR to build the new locomotives as part of a major investment programme to renew its fleet. The first 10 locomotives were manufactured in China before production was moved locally.
Production of the remaining 86 units has been completed within 12 months.
The Class 20E can operate on both the 3kv DC and 25kv AC power network, allowing them to be deployed across the Transnet freight network.
The fleet renewal will support the estimated growth in freight volumes, which are expected to increase by around 140 million tonnes in the next five to 10 years.
