AUSTRALIA: Pacific National has awarded UGL a framework contract to design, manufacture and supply up to 123 C44 Evolution diesel locomotives, with a firm order for 50 in the first tranche.
Due for delivery from the end of 2023, the locomotives form part of a five-year fleet rejuvenation strategy, with Pacific National planning to increase its overall transport capacity by 25% over the next four years.
Compliant with US EPA Tier 3 emissions standards, the C44s are expected to reduce the operator’s total CO2 emissions by around 15 000 tonnes each year with annual savings of 300 tonnes per locomotive.
‘This is a key piece of our locomotive fleet strategy and directly aligns with our Environmental, Social & Governance strategy’, explained Pacific National CEO Paul Scurrah. ‘It will assist PN with boosting service reliability, reducing emissions and fuel consumption while increasing our ability to respond to the growing demand for future rail freight capacity.’
The CIMIC group company said the contract would generate revenue of A$297m over seven years, with the locos being assembled at its Broadmeadow plant in Newcastle, New South Wales.
‘UGL’s unique position as Australia’s only manufacturer and maintainer of Australian-made locomotives allows us to ensure a strong home-grown supply chain and ongoing local employment’, said Managing Director Doug Moss. ‘The C44 Evolution locomotive is better for the environment with lower emissions and better fuel efficiency than anything Australia has seen before.’
