Transnet SOC Ltd. and GE South Africa Technologies Limited (GESAT) have signed a contract for the purchase of 43 new Model C30ACi locomotives.
GE Transportation will provide locomotive kits for the locomotives to GESAT in South Africa.
GESAT said they will work with Transnet Rail Engineering for local assembly.
The kits will be manufactured at GE Transportation’s manufacturing plants in Erie and Grove City, Pennsylvania, and will be assembled in South Africa.
The locomotives are scheduled to be delivered by June 2013 and will enter revenue service ‘shortly thereafter’.
GE’s Model C3OACi is the first AC diesel-electric locomotive to be introduced to sub-Saharan Africa.
Its engine delivers 3,300 Gross Horse Power (GHP) using an electronic fuel injection system that automatically supplies the exact amount of fuel needed for optimal engine efficiency.
The locomotives also feature GE’s unique AC propulsion technology and dynamic braking.
The addition of these new locomotives, which will be used to haul freight and coal, will decrease life-cycle costs, improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
“The acquisition of these locomotives is part of our fleet renewal program, a key element of our R110 billion, 5-year capital investment program,” said Brian Molefe, CEO of Transnet Group.
“Improving the average age of our assets is crucial in our efforts to improve our reliability, efficiency and our ultimate goal of running a scheduled railway.”
