EGYPT: The Ministry of Transport and Egyptian National Railways have signed a US$575m letter of intent for GE to supply 100 Evolution Series mixed-traffic locomotives. Training of more than 275 staff and the provision of 15 years of support and spare parts for the state railway’s existing and future GE locomotive fleets is also include in the agreement.

The first 25 of the GE ES30ACi Light locomotives with 12-cylinder 3 200 hp GE Evolution Series engines are expected to arrive in 2018.

The signing of the agreement ‘marks a major milestone for Egypt and reflects a long-standing relationship with the Ministry of Transport and ENR’, said GE Transportation CEO Jamie Miller on June 17. ‘Today, ENR’s fleet includes roughly 80 GE Evolution Series locomotives to move people and goods critical to Egypt’s economy. With this agreement, we will help the region improve its rail infrastructure and bring products to market faster and more efficiently.’

‘What is exciting about this partnership is its truly holistic nature’, said John Rice, Vice-Chairman of GE and President & CEO of GE’s Global Growth Organization. ‘We are working with the MoT and ENR on the entire process, from ensuring a competitive financing solution with partners to the manufacture and technical support for the locomotives, and the training and development of engineers.’