Pittsburgh-based Wabtec Corp., a equipment, systems, digital solutions and value-added services provider for the freight and transit rail industries, recently received a $248 million order from Guinea-based Winning Consortium Simandou (WCS), an iron ore mining company, for Evolution Series ES43ACmi locomotives and services.
The order supports the 372.8 mile TransGuinéen Railway project in east Guinea. Once completed, the rail line will connect a mine in the Simandou mountain range with the Port of Morebaya.
The ES43ACmi dual-cab locomotive has a 4,500 horsepower engine, operates in harsh, high-temperature environments, and is highly fuel efficient.
Deliveries will begin later this year.
“As the world’s largest untapped high grade iron ore deposit, Simandou represents a transformational economic opportunity for Guinea, and Wabtec’s commitment extends beyond delivering advanced locomotive solutions to ensure the success of this critical initiative in partnership with WCS and SimFer,” Mpilo Dlamini, Wabtec regional vice president of Sub-Saharan Africa, said. “We are also committed to the development of Guinea by fostering local employment, developing indigenous talent, and empowering local businesses to support the operation and maintenance of this vital rail network.”
Guinea-based SimFer, an iron ore mining company, placed an order last year to support its Simandou operations. The combined orders are valued at more than $500 million.