Wabtec Corp., a global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for the freight and transit rail industries, recently signed an agreement with Fortescue Metals Group, an Australian resources and renewable energy industry company, to modernize its locomotives.
Wabtec will transform Fortescue’s fleet into AC44C6M locomotives at its Fort Worth, Texas, facility. This will improve performance and increase reliability.
Features of AC44C6M locomotives include an upgraded control system to remove obsolescence, AC traction with individual axle control, new electrical cabinets, a UX engine, and a high-efficiency radiator and radiator cab.
Once work is completed, the locomotives will be transported to Western Australia for deployment in Fortescue’s mining operations over the next two years.
“The procurement of the modernized locomotives is an important element of Fortescue’s locomotive fleet strategy,” Mark Komene, Fortescue general manager of Hedland Operations, said, “This newly modernized fleet will enable substantial long-term capital and operating costs savings, provide the latest traction and control technology, and enable future upgrades to alternative energy sources such as battery electric in support of Fortescue’s industry-leading target to be carbon neutral by 2030.”
This is Wabtec’s first delivery of modernized locomotives for an Australian customer.
Wabtec’s modernization program updates aging locomotives with customized solutions.