MACEDONIA: National freight and passenger operator MŽ Transport has awarded Chinese manufacturer CRRC Zhuzhou an €8m contract to supply four electric locomotives.
Speaking at the signing ceremony on January 10, MŽ Transport CEO Nikola Kostov said the TSI-compliant 25 kV 50 Hz locomotives would offer European and world standards of reliability and safety. They would replace locos which are almost 40 years old, helping to attract more passengers and improve speeds, efficiency and environmental performance.
MŽ Transport had initially planned to buy three locomotives, but added a fourth during the final stages of the negotiations.
The order follows from a June 2014 deal for CRRC Zhuzhou to supply four diesel and two electric multiple-units. The European Bank for Reconstruction & Development has provided a €50m loan to support the fleet renewal programme, which also includes a deal for ŽOS Trnava to supply 150 wagons.
