Australia
manufacturer that is yet to secure widespread use in Australian rail applications. Delivery of the first locomotive is scheduled for mid-2013, with completion of the order by late 2014. Open-access intermodal operator SCT Logistics first considered purchasing locomotives from China back in 2005, but eventually opted for 15 locally-built Downer EMD-powered GT46C-ACe units which were delivered in 2008. However, with extra motive power required by its new bulk haul subsidiary, the company again looked to China and settled on a 3000kW SAD1 model from CSR Ziyang that will use an MTU 20V4000R43L engine. The first six locomotives arrived in Australia in February, and although a specific contract value has not been made public, it can be safely assumed that the purchase price is considerably less than comparable Australian-built units. Cleared for operation across most of the interstate network, the locomotives have already performed impressively on iron-ore trains in South Australia, with other operators no doubt watching developments closely. For almost two decades when looking
to rebuild or remanufacture locomotives, operators have opted to use domestic niche manufacturers. But even this option now appears to be heading offshore with Qube Logistics opting to purchase eight 132-tonne, 2460kW model E-3000E3B locomotives from NREC utilising refurbished EMD 16-645E3B power units. In their 2012 annual reports, both Downer and UGL indicated that they
Downer-built GWA009 for Genesee & Wyoming Australia is an EMD-powered 3210kW AC traction locomotive equipped with ECP braking and in-line refuelling equipment. It was only a month old when photographed at Port Pirie in October. Photo: Mark Carter
believe even with mining investment slowing, the locomotive market is likely to remain healthy for some time in Australia counteracting claims from some in the industry. The fact that there are 500 locomotives in service that are 30 years old or more indicates there is a strong opportunity for further revitalisation of the fleet over the next few years.
But with some operators already identifying locomotives from overseas manufacturers as better suited to their specific needs, and others seemingly waiting to see if these new models are reliable in Australian conditions, foreign-developed and produced units could soon be the locomotives of choice when in search of cost-effective replacements. IRJ
SCT Logistics’ six Chinese-built SDA1 units arrived in Australia in February, with an option for a further four. CSR003 & CSR002 work between Stirling North and Port Augusta, South Australia, on a containerised iron-ore service on September 14. Photo: Daven Walters
42 IRJ November 2012
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64