Pittsburgh-based Wabtec Corp., a company serving the freight and transit rail industries, recently signed a more than $700 million long-term services agreement with Guinea-based La Compagnie du TransGuinéen (CTG) to support CTG’s fleet of Wabtec ES43AC locomotives, powered by 4,500-horsepower Evolution Series engines.
The agreement includes advanced remote diagnostics, logistics support, parts and components overhauls, parts management, scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, training, and a strong localization component.
The Wabtec ES43AC locomotive was designed for demanding operating environments and have proven high reliable in extreme temperatures such as those in eastern Guinea. CTG’s 373 mile railway connects the Simandou mine to the Port of Morebaya and moves passengers, iron ore and non-mining goods.
The project is Wabtec’s largest services contract in Africa and one of the most significant infrastructure investments in Guinea’s history.
“Wabtec is proud to support the Simandou project, which we believe represents a transformative opportunity for Guinea,” Sameer Gaur, Wabtec global freight services president, said. “We are committed to ensuring the reliable operation of the railway to help unlock its full economic potential. This agreement is designed to help maximize locomotive availability, efficiency, and reliability, while supporting the development of local capabilities through workforce development, skills training, and partnerships with Guinean businesses.”